The Year In Agencies: Cheryl Paglierani Goes To CAA, Billie Eilish Moves To WME, Wasserman Music Names A President

This past year marked many major changes in the agency world, with CAA and Wasserman Music announcing restructurings and top-tier talent hopping between agencies. Perhaps one of the biggest moments of the year was CAA’s promotion of Emma Banks, Darryl Eaton and Rick Roskin to Co-Heads of Global Touring on June 6, with Rob Light taking on the role of Managing Director

“With the most talented team of agents ever at one agency, and serving the most influential artists in the world, we see unlimited opportunities ahead,” Roskin, Eaton and Banks said in a statement. “The live business has never been stronger nor had more momentum, and artists have never had more ways to express themselves and grow their careers, making this an absolutely incredible time to help chart CAA’s path for the future. We’re fortunate to have shared in the success, stability and uniquely strong culture that the department has enjoyed under Rob’s outstanding leadership. Our vision, and commitment moving forward, is to foster cutting-edge ideas that drive the market and ensure that CAA remains the most exciting and empowering agency for the industry’s best agents and artists to thrive.”

Roskin represents top talents including – but not limited to – Eric Clapton, Santana and Iron Maiden; while Eaton represents blink-182, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Weeknd among others; and Banks represents Katy Perry, Muse, Arcade Fire and more.

Also in June, Cheryl Paglierani, superstar agent representing many of today’s major talents including Post Malone and 21 Savage, moved from UTA to CAA. She had previously worked at CAA for a period before her stint at The Agency Group, which merged with UTA in 2015. Post Malone made the jump to CAA alongside Paglierani, also marking a major shift within the agency world.

“It’s an incredible feeling to return to CAA,” Paglierani said in a statement. “I’m excited to work with this extremely talented and driven team. I’ve been lucky to call so many of them friends for years and can’t wait to hit the ground running together.”

Post Malone swapping agencies to remain with Paglierani was not the only major agency change this year. Billie Eilish and Finneas both chose to join WME in August, which had already represented the pair in film and television since January 2023, after having previously been with Wasserman Music for live touring. 

“While grateful for their former live booking agents at Wasserman, Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell have opted to have film, TV and music handled by the same agency, WME, moving forward,” a spokesperson from Eilish’s team told Pollstar when reached for comment in August. 

Wasserman Music also announced major changes in leadership, with Lee Anderson being named the company’s first President. Anderson is a founding member of the agency’s executive leadership team and has played a pivotal role at Wasserman Music since it first launched. He represents major dance music acts such as Zedd and Skrillex. 

“I think being in a leadership role is not about being in charge or being a boss of people,” Anderson told Pollstar at the time of the announcement. “I don’t view it that way. You have to want to be selfless and willing to put a company before you and value and prioritize those things. That can be a lot of work. Jumping in and having to put a lot of other things or people in front of you first is a lot. You have to enjoy it. I feel a great sense of responsibility in making Wasserman the company that I and others told people it was going to be.”

In the indie world, partnerships were the name of the game. TBA agency partnered with the creative services consultancy, The Department, to “work hand in hand with TBA Agency to innovative, creative opportunities for the roster.” Clay Busch also launched his own venture, SiX18 Media, partnering with The Kirby Organization.