David Kramer has been named Chief Executive Officer of UTA, effective June 1, 2025. Jeremy Zimmer, who has served as CEO since 2012, will work with Kramer to support UTA’s planned Executive Chairman succession process until the end of 2025 and will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors. Paul Wachter remains chairman of the board. As CEO, Kramer is responsible for the entire strategic planning and operations of the company worldwide. “I am honored to be the next CEO of this incredible company and to work with our talented team of agents and executives who, unlike others, put their clients first and are committed to creating tailored, impactful opportunities,” said Kramer. “Thanks to Jeremy’s vision and leadership, UTA has not only continued to grow, but has evolved into a more diverse and dynamic company, expanding into new areas while strengthening our core businesses. Our complementary businesses are well-positioned to benefit from the changing environment. I look forward to continuing to build on our momentum and further developing the UTA platform.” ”

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Under Zimmer’s leadership, UTA grew from a small literary agency to a global powerhouse, expanding into music, sports, publishing, fashion and beauty, creative industries and brand consultancy. Through a combination of organic growth and 19 strategic acquisitions, including two major music agencies, leading publisher Fletcher & Company, UK talent and literary agency Curtis Brown Group and global football agency ROOF – The company has significantly expanded its client base, enhanced its service offerings, and solidified its global reputation as a leading talent agency.

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“These 35 years at UTA have been extremely rewarding,” said Zimmer. “While transitions are never easy, this moment feels right. David has been my chosen successor for many years, and I am confident he will continue to uphold our great culture, support our outstanding colleagues, and honor our clients.”

Kramer has served as president of UTA since 2022. He began his career in the UTA mailroom before moving to the film division. In addition to representing clients, he leads the agency’s day-to-day operations and has developed its strategic growth across many key business areas. He led the Filmed Entertainment division, which includes Film Fiction, Television Fiction, Talent, Production Arts and Independent Film divisions, as well as Comedy Touring and Publishing. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to developing and implementing the company’s strategic growth. Among other things, he helped attract strategic investor EQT and led UTA’s acquisition of Curtis Brown Group, a leading literary and talent agency in the UK. David currently serves on the board of directors of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, on the board of directors of Angel Food Project, and as West Coast Chairman of the Peabody Awards.  

“We are very excited to announce David as UTA’s next CEO. He takes on this role during an exciting period of growth for UTA, which is at the center of some of the most significant cultural moments in media, sports and entertainment.  We are confident his leadership and client-centric approach will position the company for continued success,” said Wachter. I have known Jeremy and UTA for nearly 30 years and have always been impressed by Jeremy’s entrepreneurial mindset and vision. During that time, the company’s growth and success have been remarkable. Jeremy’s years of dedicated service have laid a solid and vibrant foundation for the company’s future. In a memo to UTA employees obtained by Variety, Zimmer said he will continue to develop professionally but will be “fully committed to assisting colleagues as they transition into new roles in departments and relationships over the coming months.” Preparing for the next challenge doesn’t change how difficult it is to not go to a place I love every morning. “I will miss the deep sense of pride and belonging that I have felt like a part of the UTA family for the past 35 years,” Zimmer wrote in the memo. I know the time is right. The company is well prepared for the next phase of growth. We have successfully navigated times of change and turmoil, thanks in large part to David’s stabilizing influence. I have been an agent for 45 years and now it is time to see what I want to do next. I have always been a doer and want to take the time to create something meaningful in the next chapter of my career.

Variety has also obtained the employee letter Kramer sent this morning. In it, he pledges to “foster true collaboration” and “unlock more opportunities for our clients and our company.” Read the full letter below.

Team,

First, I want to say how honored I am to be named the next CEO of UTA. We are all deeply grateful to Jeremy for his passion and commitment to this team and for helping UTA become one of the leading talent agencies in the world. His vision and leadership have been critical in laying our foundation and expanding our business to provide our clients with world-class capabilities in filmed entertainment, music, sports, creativity and consulting.

UTA has been my home for my entire career for a reason – I’ve been so lucky to work with such a talented and dedicated team and see the impact our work has on our clients.

UTA has always taken risks, breaking new ground and defining new categories with our work.Our focus will continue to be on nurturing and strengthening this entrepreneurial spirit and the unique strengths and capabilities that have helped us succeed in every category. Together, we will drive true collaboration across the platform, leveraging our ability to see into the future of company culture to unlock more opportunities for our clients and the company as a whole.

UTA’s strength is not just based on the power of our individual contributions or our growing impact; it is based on our shared commitment to customer obsession and our relentless focus on identifying, creating, and sustaining opportunities for exceptional talent and brands. This will always be the foundation of our success and what sets us apart.

I look forward to working with you all to build on the strengths of our existing businesses and lead the company into a new era of growth and innovation.

I look forward to meeting with all of you in the coming weeks to further discuss future priorities.

Please join me in thanking Jeremy again for his incredible vision and leadership. Thank you for all you have done to make UTA the company it is today.

Kindly, DK