John Norman Biography
PHILADELPHIA, 2006 - John Norman is president and CEO of Arts and Exhibitions International (AEI). With more than 14 years experience in the arts and entertainment industry, Norman has lead multi-national teams in the design, production, marketing and sales of museum and fine art traveling exhibitions throughout the world.
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age
of the Pharaohs
Photo courtesy of National Geographic Traveler
Currently, Norman leads production of the world-renowned blockbuster, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, ("King Tut") the traveling exhibition that features more than 130 artifacts from the tombs of King Tut, several of his relatives and 18th Dynasty (1555 B.C. to 1305 B.C.) contemporaries. Seeing unparalleled success under Norman's direction, the exhibition has drawn more than 1.5 million visitors in the first two cities alone.
Norman's extensive experience on world-renowned art exhibitions, including Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Diana, A Celebration and Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes, has solidified AEI's position as the industry leader in the creation of first-class exhibitions.
Prior to starting AEI, Norman served as co-president and chief operating officer of Clear Channel Exhibitions. In less than five years, Norman grew the award-winning division to $30 million in annual revenues. In 2001, he spearheaded the multi-million dollar acquisition of BBH Exhibits, Inc. to expand Clear Channel’s product offerings to the museum and fine arts communities. Under Norman’s leadership, the 40-person division collaborated with the world’s most prestigious science museums, fine art museums and cultural institutions.
With his proven track record in the traveling exhibitions field, as well as extensive experience in world-class entertainment production and promotion, Norman has developed relationships with international organizations including the Science Museum of London, the Vatican Museums, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Casa Buonarroti, Florence, Italy and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
From 1999-2001, as senior vice president of SFX Entertainment, Norman strengthened the financial prospectus of a blockbuster possibility by creating and then producing four separate Titanic exhibits that toured simultaneously in the United States, Europe and South America. Appearing in 15 cities in the United States and abroad, more than six million people have experienced the majesty of Titanic in the past five years.
Beginning in 1999, Norman led negotiations for a blockbuster exhibition with the Vatican. Serving as executive producer, he coordinated relationships with Vatican officials and art services, curators, marketing, operations and exhibit creative development, design and production.
From 1990 until its acquisition by SFX in 1999, John worked for Magicworks, a producer and promoter of live events. He executed the overall marketing and production of the company's touring shows, including The Magic of David Copperfield, Broadway theater giants Jesus Christ Superstar and West Side Story, and concert tours including the Reunion Tour of Fleetwood Mac and Janet Jackson's Velvet Rope Tour.
Norman resides in Solon, Ohio, with his wife and 6-year-old son.