Berg Out At ICM

Jeff Berg, former chairman and CEO of ICM Partners, reportedly plans to start his own venture in the wake of his not-unexpected release Oct. 26, after more than 40 years with the company.

“I’ve been considering a different path in the agency business and will be announcing my plans very shortly,” Berg said. “I’ve spent my career as an owner-operator and this is the right time for me to repeat that practice. This has been a long a successful association. I am proud of what we have achieved and the opportunities that the agency can embrace.”

 
Berg has raised “significant” capital to start a new boutique agency, according to the Los Angeles Times, that will focus on film, television, movies, theater, publishing and representing talent. It will also raise funds to assist studio and independent production companies.
 
Leaving ICM Partners is “one of the great moments in my life,” Berg told the Times.  
 
He joined ICM predecessor Creative Management Associates in 1969 as a film and literary agent. CMA merged with International Famous Agency in 1975, and Berg became president of ICM in 1980, serving as chairman and CEO from 1985 until earlier this year.  
 
His departure was expected after ICM Partners bought out Berg’s stake and he was reportedly stripped of his management role. The rest of the company’s partners completed a management buyout that turned the agency into a partner-owned entity.
 
“Jeff played an integral role in the formation of ICM and its continuation for more than 35 years,” ICM said in a joint statement.  “We appreciate his contributions and wish him well.  The goal of ICM Partners is to provide our clients with the best representation in the industry, while continuing our culture of collegiality and teamwork.”