Caroline James is the General Manager of Utilita Arena Newcastle, part of the ASM Global portfolio which includes over 350 venues around the world.

Originally from London, UK, Caroline began her journey in hospitality during her gap year. She later emigrated to New Zealand, where she owned and managed a 250-cover fine dining restaurant, overseeing a team of over 100 staff and delivering a wide range of events, from weddings to parties.

Her career continued across diverse venues, including theatres, arenas, stadiums, and community spaces in the UK, New Zealand, and Doha, with vast expertise in event management, operations, sales and marketing, business development, catering, and hospitality. Caroline worked across many facets of the entertainment and events industry, including sport, music, live shows, television productions, and corporate events.

In 2018, Caroline relocated to Newcastle, joining the team at Utilita Arena Newcastle. By January 2023, she had risen to the position of General Manager, where she now leads the venue through a busy calendar of high-profile events, including sell-out shows by artists such as Sam Fender, Girls Aloud, and Kylie. Under her leadership, the arena has undergone a £1.75 million refurbishment in celebration of its 30th anniversary, further cementing its status as Newcastle’s premier live entertainment destination.