2026 Impact 50 Honoree: Kirk M. Sommer

KIRK M. SOMMER
Global Head of Music
WME

BY THE NUMBER: 6. WME artists that took home Pollstar Awards in April.
ACTIVITY OUTSIDE OF WORK THAT KEEPS YOU SANE: “I really like experiencing completely foreign places, exploring cities and streets, meeting new people. I recently met an AI artist from Jerusalem whose work I appreciate, and my family has commented on my appreciation for a wide variety of birds in the wild.”

Kirk M. Sommer is celebrating a big anniversary, with this year marking his 25th at WME – and he says the global team at the major agency has never been stronger.

“Our privates and corporates division is having a record year and our commercial group has procured nearly 1,000 brand opportunities,” Sommer says. “Our Music for Visual Media department has represented seven of the ‘Best Original Score’ Oscar winners out of the last eight years, including this year’s winner, Ludwig Göransson, who won for his score for ‘Sinners.’”
WME’s Global Head of Music adds, “Bruno Mars’ tour is off to an amazing start. The Nine Inch Nails world tour was a huge success. Sam Smith’s residency to re-open The Castro Theatre was emotional and historic. Killers will be headlining the 2026 UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary. There are a number of significant items yet to be announced.”

Sommer notes one highlight being six WME artists taking home Pollstar Awards in April, including The Weeknd, Benson Boone, Chris Stapleton / Lainey Wilson, Adam Sandler and Teddy Swims.

As for innovative, out-of-the-box initiatives, Sommer points to the Nine Inch Noize performances at Coachella (a collaboration between Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize), Olivia Rodrigo’s partnership with the MTA and the “Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)” concert film.

Looking ahead, Sommer and the team at WME are excited about Brandon Flowers’ new music; Benson Boone tours of North America, Australia and Asia; as well as SIENNA SPIRO, Holly Humberstone, Lola Young and Teddy Swims.

“Other highlights coming up are Carin Leon’s historic run at The Sphere. Bocelli at Red Rocks for the first time. The Olivia Rodrigo business is excellent. Weezer with The Shins is going to be great too. KWN, Joshua Slone, Mack Keane, Humbe and MPH are just a few to keep an eye on.”