PRG Taps Entertainment Vet Lawrence Burian as CEO for New Growth Era

NEW YORK, NY – March 23, 2026 – Production Resource Group (PRG), a global behemoth in entertainment and live event technology, has appointed Lawrence Burian as its new Chief Executive Officer, a strategic move signaling a new chapter of accelerated growth. Effective April 13, Burian, an industry veteran with a formidable resume spanning sports, media, and entertainment, will also join the company's Board of Directors. The appointment comes at what insiders call a "pivotal moment" for the live experiences industry as it continues its post-pandemic evolution.

A Leader Forged in High-Stakes Entertainment

Burian arrives at PRG from a whirlwind tenure as Chief Operating Officer at LIV Golf, where he was instrumental in steering the high-profile league through a period of explosive growth and intense public scrutiny. At LIV, he oversaw a vast portfolio including global event delivery, corporate strategy, and technology integration. Before entering the world of professional golf, Burian spent nearly three decades building a distinguished career within the Madison Square Garden (MSG) family of companies.

His extensive experience at MSG provided him with a unique vantage point over a diverse empire of iconic brands. He held senior leadership roles across legendary sports franchises like the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, world-famous venues including Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall, and the groundbreaking Sphere. This deep immersion in the premier echelons of live entertainment, media, and hospitality has equipped him with a rare understanding of complex, large-scale operations.

This track record was a key factor in his selection. "With nearly three decades of leadership experience across entertainment, sports, media, and hospitality, Lawrence brings deep operational expertise and a strong track record of guiding complex, high-profile organizations through periods of transformation and expansion," said Lauren Krueger, a PRG Board Member and Managing Director at private equity firm KKR. In the official announcement, she added, "Lawrence is the right leader to build on PRG's global scale and integrated products and services to accelerate growth."

The Private Equity Playbook in Action

Burian's appointment is not merely a leadership change; it is a clear signal of intent from PRG's ownership. In October 2025, the company was brought under the joint control of financial heavyweights FS KKR Capital Corp. and Ares Management Corporation. Such acquisitions by private equity firms are typically followed by strategic moves designed to unlock value and drive profitability. Installing a proven leader with a history of scaling businesses is a cornerstone of that playbook.

PRG already represents a significant asset, with estimated annual revenues in the hundreds of millions—some reports suggest it exceeds $1 billion—and a workforce of over 4,000 employees across 38 global offices. The company stands as the world's leading provider of production technology, boasting the largest inventory of rental equipment for everything from music festivals and film sets to corporate events and theatrical productions.

By tapping Burian, KKR and Ares are betting on his ability to leverage this dominant market position into even greater financial success. His background in corporate development at MSG, where he was involved in major transactions and strategic initiatives, suggests he is well-equipped to lead PRG through its next phase of market expansion, potential acquisitions, and enhanced operational efficiency.

Innovating the Future of 'Unforgettable Moments'

The landscape Burian inherits is one of dynamic change and immense opportunity. The live events industry is rapidly evolving, driven by audience demands for more immersive, interactive, and technologically sophisticated experiences. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of hybrid models, blending physical and digital attendance, a trend that has become a permanent fixture.

Burian seems acutely aware of this new reality. "At a time when so much of life is digital and remote, people are craving connection and moments that inspire, energize, and bring us all together," he stated upon his appointment. "PRG has an extraordinary legacy of creativity and technical excellence, helping make those moments unforgettable for millions of people around the world."

His vision appears to align with major industry trends. As event organizers grapple with integrating AI for personalization, leveraging AR and VR for immersion, and meeting rising demands for sustainability, they rely on partners like PRG to provide the underlying technology. PRG's recent investments in next-generation LED video products and its deep expertise in virtual production, lighting, and automation systems position it as a critical enabler of this future. Burian's challenge will be to steer this technological prowess, ensuring the company not only keeps pace with innovation but actively defines it.

A Vision of Partnership and Service

Ultimately, Burian's strategy hinges on a core principle he has already articulated: doubling down on the client. "We will continue to differentiate ourselves through relentless customer service and by deepening the long-term partnerships that fuel our success," he affirmed.

This customer-centric approach is vital in an industry built on relationships and creative collaboration. For clients planning a multi-continent concert tour, a blockbuster film, or a global corporate product launch, PRG is more than a equipment supplier; it is a foundational partner in bringing a creative vision to life. Burian's experience managing the complex needs of world-class venues and sports teams gives him a unique appreciation for the client's perspective.

As he prepares to take the helm, the industry will be watching closely. With the powerful backing of KKR, a seasoned new leader in place, and an unparalleled global infrastructure, PRG is poised to not only navigate the future of live events but to be one of its principal architects. Burian's leadership will be central to ensuring the company continues to deliver the "unforgettable moments" it is famous for on an even grander scale.