David Kramer Set To Succeed Jeremy Zimmer As UTA CEO

Jeremy Zimmer, co-founder and CEO of United Talent Agency, will leave his post June 1, with company president David Kramer replacing him.

Zimmer, 66, has led UTA since 2012. He co-founded the company in 1991 with Jim Berkus and Peter Benedek with the merger of Bauer-Benedek Agency and Leading Artists Agency.

Kramer, who began his career in the UTA mailroom (not unlike Zimmer, who started off in the William Morris mailroom), has been president of UTA since 2022 and has been regarded as the natural successor to Zimmer. Zimmer will continue as executive chairman through year’s end and continue to serve on the company’s board of directors in line with the long-standing succession plan.

“We are thrilled to announce David as UTA’s next CEO. He is stepping into this role at an exciting time of growth, with UTA at the center of some of the most pivotal cultural moments across media, sports, and entertainment. We are confident that his leadership and client-centric approach will position the Company for continued success,” said Paul Wachter, Chairman of UTA’s Board of Directors. “I’ve known Jeremy and UTA for almost 30 years and have been impressed with Jeremy’s entrepreneurial nature and vision. It’s been remarkable how much the Company has grown and succeeded over that period. Jeremy’s years of dedicated service have left a strong and dynamic foundation for the Company’s future.”

UTA was long seen as primarily a literary and later comedy agency, but under Zimmer’s leadership, has expanded into all facets of representation. During his tenure, UTA made 19 acquisitions including two music agencies, publishing firm Fletcher & Company, British agency Curtis Brown Group, and global soccer agency ROOF. UTA was also on the cutting edge as the first agency to launch a creator group focused on online creator talent and podcasters.

“I am honored to serve as the next CEO of this incredible Company and work with our talented team of agents and executives who, unlike any other, prioritize clients above all else, and share a commitment to delivering tailored, impactful opportunities,” said Kramer. “Thanks to Jeremy’s vision and leadership, UTA has not only grown, but evolved into a more diversified, dynamic company, expanding into new areas, while strengthening our core business. Our complementary businesses are positioned to take advantage of an everchanging environment and I look forward to building on our momentum to advance the UTA platform.”

The co-heads of UTA’s estimable music division are David Zedeck, Samantha Kirby Yoh and Scott Clayton. Notable agents include Ken Fermaglich, Jbeau Lewis, Mike G, Steve Gordon, Kevin Gimble, Guy Oldaker Jeffrey Hasson, Matthew Morgan, Robert Gibbs, Elisa Vazzana, Matt Meyer and Kirk Taboada among others. UTA’s music roster includes Jonas Brothers, Bad Bunny Karol G, LCD Soundsystem, J. Cole, Guns N Roses, Paramore, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Partynextdoor, Ari Lennox, Bjork, Burna Boy, Illenium, Chance The Rapper, Common, DJ Khaled, Dolly Parton, Florence & The Machine, Halsey, FKA Twigs, HAIM, Muse, St. Vincent among many others (see full music roster here).