Live Nation names Chewy's Da-Wai Hu as top lawyer as Rowles steps back after 20 years
Live Nation will put Chewy lawyer Da-Wai Hu in charge of its legal department on 2 November 2026, succeeding Michael G. Rowles after 20 years as the concert group's top lawyer.
Hu will take the titles Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. General counsel means chief lawyer. The company disclosed the appointment and Rowles's new arrangement in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on 25 September 2026, an 8-K, the form US-listed companies use to tell investors about major events Music Business Worldwide.
Rowles is not leaving. He signed a First Amendment to his employment agreement effective 1 November 2026, which extends his term to 31 December 2029 from 31 December 2027, according to the filing documents SEC filing.
The filing organises the handover in two stages. From 1 November 2026 through 31 December 2027, Rowles will report to a to-be-named general counsel and take on modified responsibilities defined by that officer. Effective 1 January 2028 through 31 December 2029, his title changes to Senior Legal Adviser, providing senior legal advisory duties to the company.
His pay changes with the second stage. From 1 January 2028, his base salary falls to $500,000 from $1.1 million and his contractual bonus is deleted, the amendment states.
Rowles has been in the post since Live Nation signed him as Executive Vice President and General Counsel on 13 March 2006. Hu is currently General Counsel and Secretary of pet retailer Chewy, a role he has held since December 2023. Before Chewy, he served as General Counsel of Checkout Payments.
Live Nation Entertainment, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker LYV, comprises Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. The structure gives a 14-month handover before Rowles moves into the advisory role.
