WMA Opens In London

The William Morris Agency has announced its expansion into London and the appointment of Ed Bicknell as worldwide head of the company’s international music division.

"I am delighted to announce a significant expansion of the William Morris Agency in London, which underscores our commitment to the importance of the international marketplace and gives the agency global depth and breadth," WMA CEO Jim Wiatt said in a January 22nd written statement.

Bicknell – former manager of Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler, Bryan Ferry, Gerry Rafferty, and The Blue Nile – will be joined by David Levy from I.T.B; Adele Slater and Russell Warby from The Agency Group; Nick Cave, Steve Hogan and Solomon Parker from Concorde International Artistes; Diana Richardson from Sensible Events; and Hamish Crombie, who was already with WMA.

"Under the leadership of music industry veteran Ed Bicknell, WMA is now poised to provide an all-encompassing range of services to managers, artists, and promoters around the globe," said Peter Grosslight, WMA’s worldwide head of music.

"London was the one major music center where we were not present; this new group will be fully integrated with our Los Angeles-based international music agents – Brian Cohen, Tony Goldring, Rob Markus, and Akiko Rogers – as well as the music division as a whole," Grosslight continued.

Bicknell said it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

"I did not think it was possible to top what I’ve already done and over the last few years, I’ve turned down many offers," Bicknell said. "But the opportunity to work with great people, at a company I consider number one in the world, was irresistible."