Today, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announces Kyle Olsen as chief show operations officer (CSOO) to help lead future growth of the event and organization.
“There is no question Kyle will lead this organization’s operations strategy into a new era. He has an extensive background in live events and is passionate about ensuring our guests have a flawless, memorable visit each March,” said Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo President and CEO, Chris Boleman. “We can’t wait to see what Kyle accomplishes in his new role. We are proud to have him as a leader and spearhead operations at one of the world’s most premier events.”
Olsen brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in managing large-scale, high-profile events and complex public venues. He joined the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Feb. 2018 as director of operations, where he oversaw all facets of event operations, including daily logistics, guest services, medical response, stage and production, carnival, and facilities. His role also included coordinating with 36,000 Rodeo volunteers whose dedication makes the event possible each year.
Before joining the Rodeo, Olsen served as director of events and production at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, where he and his team successfully executed a diverse lineup of events—from NHL hockey games and basketball tournaments to major concerts, family shows, and national broadcasts.
Olsen’s career began in Houston at NRG Park (formerly Reliant Park) in 2003, working in event services. There, he supported the Houston Texans, the Grand Prix of Houston, the Offshore Technology Conference, and numerous other large-scale events. His return to NRG Park through the Rodeo has allowed him to build on that early foundation, now leading operations for one of the largest annual events in the world, drawing more than 2.7 million guests.
“There’s nothing like the energy of the Rodeo. It is an honor to help create unforgettable experiences for our guests,” said Kyle Olsen, chief show operations officer. “It is my priority to ensure our guests feel safe and supported when they step on our grounds. My predecessor Mike DeMarco created a solid foundation for this team, and I am excited to take that and lead with intention and innovation.”
A proud graduate of Texas Tech University, Olsen is recognized for his ability to navigate the complexities of live event management while prioritizing safety, guest experience, and operational excellence.
Olsen replaces Mike DeMarco, who is retiring after 34 successful years with the Rodeo. During his tenure, DeMarco served in various roles, including chief show operations officer, executive director and operations manager.
