Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is setting the stage for a series of high-profile events coming to the city, with the latest move appointing Council President Emeritus Paul Krekorian as the Executive Director of the Office of Major Events. According to an announcement from the Mayor's office, Krekorian will spearhead the coordination of city departments and external stakeholders as L.A. gears up to host events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. His new role is set to officially begin on Monday, following his 15-year tenure on the Los Angeles City Council.
Mayor Bass emphasized the importance of Krekorian's leadership, especially as it relates to the economic benefits these events can potentially bring to the community. "President Emeritus Krekorian’s expertise and leadership are both vital as we evolve our readiness for the major events Los Angeles will host in the coming years," she said. The appointment is part of a broader initiative to not only seamlessly manage the events but also to make sure they create opportunities and improvements for Angelenos across the board.
As a seasoned council member with experience in local and statewide budgets, as well as a track record of managing institutional knowledge of city government, Krekorian is poised to optimize the city's operations for the international spotlight. "I’m honored that Mayor Bass is entrusting me to lead preparations for major events coming to Los Angeles and to deliver a successful 2028 Games to Angelenos and visitors from around the world," Krekorian told the Mayor's office. He expands on his commitment, stating his readiness to partner with various city entities to deliver an inclusive 2028 Games.
City Council President Marqueece Harris Dawson and LA28 Chief Executive Officer Reynold Hoover also praised Krekorian's proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver under pressure. Hoover mentioned Krekorian's long-standing advocacy for the Olympic and Paralympic movements, highlighting his role in bringing the Games back to Los Angeles and his expected contributions as the head of the Office of Major Events. These contributions are set to include the promotion of small and community businesses, the creation of job and training opportunities, and investment in sustainable infrastructure, effectively engaging the entire city in embracing these events. "His dedication and leadership will undoubtedly continue to drive excellence in his new role as Executive Director, Office of Major Events in this next chapter of our journey to deliver an incredible Games in 2028," Hoover expressed.
