Outback Presents is thrilled to announce the appointment of Christine Melko Ross as the company’s new Senior Vice President of Global Operations.
Based in Montreal, Canada, Melko Ross will spearhead Outback Presents’ Canadian operations and drive the company’s international business development and expansion strategy. Her extensive experience and strategic vision will be instrumental as Outback Presents continues to grow its global footprint.
“Everyone at Outback Presents is excited to have Christine join the team,” says Outback Presents company president Michael Smardak. “Her extensive achievements and experience in comedy will be invaluable to our global growth. We are very proud to have her join us.”
“I am very excited to work with Mike Smardak, Brian Dorfman and the entire team at Outback,” adds Melko Ross. “They have built an amazing roster of successful touring talent and have done a fabulous job at establishing themselves as the largest independent promoter in North America. Together, we will strive to elevate Outback to the global stage. We cherish similar values in ensuring a great audience and artist experience, and I can’t wait to get started!”
Melko Ross has over 35 years of experience producing and promoting thousands of comedy and music shows. For the past 23 years, she has been an integral part of the Just For Laughs Group, where she has worn many hats and left an indelible mark on the comedy landscape.
At Just For Laughs, Melko Ross was instrumental in running the renowned Montreal Festival, launching the Toronto Festival and creating the company’s highly successful Touring division. She’s worked with comedy giants like Jerry Seinfeld, Trevor Noah, Tom Segura, Hannah Gadsby, Bill Burr, Iliza Shlesinger, Sebastian Maniscalco, Rick Mercer, Jimmy Carr, John Cleese and Eric Idle, as well as unique events such as “The Simpsons: In the Flesh” (starring Matt Groening and the Simpsons cast) and “Ryan Reynolds, Maximum Effort, A Funny Conversation.”
Melko Ross’ influence extends beyond North America, as she has produced and developed international festivals in Sydney, Bermuda, Mexico, London, Austin, and Chicago, often collaborating with major industry players.
Before joining Just For Laughs, Melko Ross honed her skills as the lead talent buyer for Donald K. Donald/Universal Concerts/House of Blues Concerts, booking numerous music shows and managing tours for high-profile artists like The Backstreet Boys and Leonard Cohen.
A native of Lansing, Illinois, and a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, Melko Ross began her career with Paulette Wolf Events & Entertainment in Chicago. Her diverse experience, including managing corporate hospitality for prestigious events like the Kentucky Derby, laid the foundation for her remarkable career in entertainment.
