Scott Clayton joins UTA as co-head of global music
UTA has confirmed the appointment of renowned music agent Scott Clayton, who joins as co-head of its global music division and as a partner.
The move will see Clayton and existing co-heads Sam Kirby Yoh and David Zedeck form a powerhouse leadership trio spanning UTA’s New York, Los Angeles and Nashville hubs.
“Scott is the epitome of what we look for in a leader at UTA: he is a strong advocate for artists and has a long history of supporting and mentoring colleagues,” says UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer. “Sam and David have done a great job building a world-class team and we are very excited for Scott to join us as we continue to grow our music practice.”
Nashville-based Clayton was previously a partner and co-head of the music division at WME and has guided the live careers of artists including John Mayer, Zac Brown Band, Kings of Leon, Dead & Company and Train.
Kirby Yoh and Zedeck jointly add: “We are excited to have Scott join us as a co-head of the music group. He is a relentless champion for his clients, and we know that he will bring that same energy to UTA. He is a dedicated leader who has played a significant role in building so many people’s careers and we look forward to collaborating with him as we continue to build our team and do great work for our clients.”
Over the past few years, I have witnessed the incredible job UTA has done to expand and elevate the music department
Prior to his four-year WME stint, Clayton worked at CAA for 17 years as a co-head of their Nashville office, served as co-chair of the city’s Music City Music Council and is a member of the Nashville public radio board of directors.
“Over the past few years, I have witnessed the incredible job UTA has done to expand and elevate the music department,” says Clayton. “Sam, David, and the team have shown true innovation and leadership during this unprecedented time and have really delivered for their artists across all genres. I am very excited to be joining a company that has built a culture that is grounded in transparency with colleagues and in service to clients.”
Clayton’s hire follows a series of major moves by UTA’s music division. New hires include agents Jeffrey Hasson, Brett Saliba, Matt Korn and Emily Wright, who are based in Nashville; Los Angeles-based agents Matt Meyer and Robbie Brown; director of creative strategy Rebecca Prochnik and London-based agents Carlos Abreu and Max Lee.
In March, the company also acquired UK-based Echo Location Talent Agency, founded and led by Obi Asika, who now serves as co-head of UTA’s UK office alongside Neil Warnock.
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Samantha Kirby Yoh joins UTA Music as co-head
United Talent Agency (UTA) has appointed Samantha Kirby Yoh as co-head, joining David Zedeck in overseeing the company’s worldwide music operations.
Kirby Yoh joins UTA from WME where she served as head of East Coast music, overseeing the New York music department and expanding its businesses into new areas of media and creative brand partnerships.
Kirby also managed a roster of artists at WME including Bjork, Rosalia, 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. Prior to joining WME Kirby Yoh was an agent at Evolution Talent.
“Sam and David see eye-to-eye on how to build a great music business and will be strong partners in leading UTA Music,” says UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer.
“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.”
“There are few agents in music more inventive, collaborative or dynamic than Sam”
Kirby Yoh says: “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. 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.”
Zedeck added: “There are few agents in music more inventive, collaborative or dynamic than Sam and I’m excited she’s agreed to join UTA. 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.”
Beyond her role as an agent, Kirby Yoh is a founding member of both She Is The Music, which focuses on increasing the number of women working in the global music industry, and Noise for Now, which connects performers to organisations fighting for reproductive rights.
She also sits on the advisory board of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, which works to increase diversity in the entertainment industry.
Natalia Nastaskin will continue in her role as general manager of the Global Music Group, working closely with both Kirby Yoh and Zedeck.
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