More UTA Toronto staff find homes at APA, Paquin

Two further booking agencies have made hires from United Talent Agency (UTA) in North America, as the agency’s Canadian staff continue to seek new opportunities ahead of the impending closure of its Toronto office.

Agents Adam Kreeft and Rob Thornton, who had been with the UTA – then The Agency Group – since 2012 and 2007, respectively, join Canadian agency Paquin Entertainment Group, which has offices in Winnipeg, Toronto and Vancouver. Both Kreeft and Thornton will work out of Paquin’s Toronto office, along with fellow UTA alumnus Sarah Litt, who will be taking on an assistant role.

“With Adam and Rob, we are welcoming two agents who bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to a team poised for tremendous growth,” says Paquin president Julien Paquin. “I’m confident that they will both effortlessly integrate into our team and further foster Paquin’s commitment to our artists – and their development – in collaboration with our strong relationships within the industry, as well as our dedication to building a strong music community in Canada.”

Kreeft says he’s “excited to join Paquin, an agency that embraces and embodies what I love about being an agent”. “I’m really psyched to continue working alongside my longtime colleagues Rob Thornton and Sarah Litt, who will be making the move with me as well,” he adds.

“We’re very excited to be investing in Canadian artists and the city of Toronto”

Fellow Agency Group veterans Ralph James and Jack Ross, meanwhile, have been recruited by the Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) to oversee its new Toronto office, where they will be joined by former UTA colleagues Stefanie Purificati and Mike Graham.

James (pictured) brings several high-profile Canadian clients to LA-headquartered APA, including Nickelback, Billy Talent, Big Sugar and The Trews.

“It’s an honour to be in business with such accomplished and respected industry vets as Ralph and Jack,” say APA’s Steve Martin and Jim Gosnell in a joint statement. “We’re very excited to be investing in Canadian artists and the city of Toronto as we continue to expand APA’s global footprint.”

The hires by APA and Paquin follow Paradigm Talent Agency’s announcement last week it is to open its first Canadian office, overseen by former UTA agent Rob Zifarelli, in Toronto.

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