Samantha Kirby Yoh Joins David Zedeck As UTA Co-Head Of Music

Yoh comes to UTA after a run as head of East Coast Music at William Morris Endeavor, where she oversaw the New York music department and a roster of clients that could stand alone as a boutique shop including Bjork, Rosalía, LCD Soundsystem, Florence + The Machine, FKA Twigs, Grimes, Alicia Keys, James Blake, MIA, Moses Sumney, Channel Tres, Banks, St. Vincent, Massive Attack and The Chemical Brothers.

Sources tell Pollstar it’s expected that many of her clients will choose to follow her to UTA.

“Sam and David see eye-to-eye on how to build a great music business and will be strong partners in leading UTA Music,” said UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer in a statement. “We have long admired Sam’s success working with unique and powerful artists, and we’re thrilled she has chosen to join us. “Under their leadership, UTA Music will continue to bring innovative ideas, unparalleled service and collaboration into the lives of artists.”

Kirby Yoh made a name for herself for expanding her clients’ businesses into new areas of media and creative brand partnerships. Prior to WME, Kirby Yoh was an agent at Evolution Talent.

“I am excited to join UTA as they continue to build out their music department to meet, protect and amplify the creativity of the artists they represent,” Kirby Yoh said. “UTA is at the vanguard of investing and sourcing incredibly innovative opportunities for their artists. Additionally, I’ve watched with great respect as UTA moves clearly with their intentions to better our music community, becoming leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion. I look forward to partnering with David Zedeck, a friend for more than 20 years and one of the most talented agents and leaders in music. I’m thrilled to get to work.” 

In addition to being one of the industry’s most influential agents, Kirby Yoh is a leader in diversity and inclusion as a founding member of “She Is The Music,” which focuses on increasing the number of women working in the global music industry, and sits on the advisory board of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, which works to increase diversity in the entertainment industry. She also co-founded “Noise for Now,” which connects performers to organizations fighting for reproductive rights. 

Kirby Yoh becomes the second woman to be named a co-head of music at a major agency in recent months. Lucy Dickins was named co-head of music at WME after the departure of Marc Geiger in June. She joins other women in the upper agency echelons including Becky Gardenhire at WME Nashville and Emma Banks, co-head of CAA UK. 

“There are few agents in music more inventive, collaborative or dynamic than Sam and I’m excited she’s agreed to join UTA,” Zedeck said in the announcement. “We’ve been colleagues and friends for over two decades and there’s no one I’d rather share the responsibility of running our music business with. She’s someone I admire and respect tremendously. She’ll bring a unique perspective and outstanding taste to the role, and I look forward to a partnership focused on continuing to build UTA Music into the industry leader.” 

The appointment is just the latest in a series of moves by Zedeck to move UTA into a more competitive posture with mega agencies like CAA and WME. The full-service agency has significantly expanded its music department with acquisitions including Circle Talent Agency and its roster of electronic and other artists. 

It has also signed a number of important, emerging artists that will be a force to reckon with moving forward, including deadmau5, Bad Bunny, YG, The Jonas Brothers, Bebe Rexha, The Pussycat Dolls, Young Thug, Common, Tyga, Offset, Tierra Whack, Empire of the Sun, Trace Adkins, SCARYPOOLPARTY, Romeo Santos, Alesso, Pendulum, Knife Party, Polo G, Dirty Honey, Jimmie Allen, Blanco Brown, Matt Stell, Jamiroquai, and 21 Savage, among many others.