David Kramer to succeed Jeremy Zimmer as UTA CEO

UTA has announced that David Kramer will take over as CEO in June, succeeding longtime leader Jeremy Zimmer.

Zimmer, the UTA co-founder who has been CEO of the talent agency since 2012, is shifting to board member and executive chairman roles. Paul Wachter will remain chairman of the board of UTA.

UTA describe the new appointment as part of a long-planned succession process, which saw Kramer elevated to president of UTA in 2022.

“We are thrilled to announce David as UTA’s next CEO,” says Wachter. “He is stepping into this role at an exciting time of growth, with UTA at the centre of some of the most pivotal cultural moments across media, sports, and entertainment. We are confident that his leadership and client-centric approach will position the company for continued success.

“I’ve known Jeremy and UTA for almost 30 years and have been impressed with Jeremy’s entrepreneurial nature and vision. It’s been remarkable how much the company has grown and succeeded over that period. Jeremy’s years of dedicated service have left a strong and dynamic foundation for the company’s future.”

“David has been my chosen successor for many years “

Under Zimmer’s leadership, UTA evolved from a boutique literary agency into a global powerhouse, expanding into music, sports, publishing, fashion and beauty, creators, and brand advisory.

During his tenure, the company has completed 19 acquisitions, including music agencies Echo Location Talent Agency and Circle Talent Agency. UTA also secured private equity investment from EQT, in a bid to further turbocharge its growth.

“These 35 years at UTA have been so incredibly rewarding,” says Zimmer. “While transition is never easy, this particular moment feels very right. David has been my chosen successor for many years and I’m certain that he will continue to uphold our great culture, support our amazing colleagues, and honour the privilege of serving our clients.”

Kramer adds: “I am honoured to be named UTA’s next CEO. We are all deeply grateful to Jeremy for his passion and dedication to this team and for helping to make UTA into one of the premier global talent agencies in the world. His vision and guidance were key to building our foundation and broadening our business to offer clients world-class capabilities across filmed entertainment, music, sports, the creator economy, and advisory services.”

Kramer began his career in UTA’s mailroom before joining the motion picture department. In addition to representing clients, he has guided the agency’s day-to-day business and helped shape its strategic growth across several business lines, overseeing the filmed entertainment group, which includes motion picture literary, television literary, talent, production arts, and independent film, as well as the comedy touring and publishing divisions.

UTA says he has played an instrumental role in shaping and executing the company’s strategic growth, including helping to bring strategic investor EQT to UTA and leading UTA’s acquisition of top UK literary and talent agency Curtis Brown Group.

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