UTA Hires Veteran Agent Darnell Strom to Lead New Culture and Leadership Division
United Talent Agency announced on Tuesday that it has hired Darnell Strom to lead a newly created culture and leadership division.
In the new division, Strom will work with new and existing UTA clients looking to expand their diverse businesses and cultural influence at the intersection of entertainment, media, entrepreneurship, politics, arts, and thought leadership.
Strom, who has years of experience in entertainment, politics and social impact, joins UTA after serving nine years as an agent at CAA. He will report jointly to co-president Jay Sures and CEO Jeremy Zimmer.
Also Read: UTA Hires Sarah Luciano as Media Rights Agent
“Today’s hyper-connected world challenges the traditional definitions of influence,” Strom said in a statement. “Some of the most impactful artists, authors, thought leaders, change makers and entrepreneurs have harnessed the power of this new landscape to connect and create big, bold, brave ideas.
“UTA’s incredible infrastructure across all mediums and its holistic approach to representation will serve as a creative hub for these leading voices – helping them build businesses and find global audiences in unexpected places. I am thrilled to lead UTA’s new Culture and Leadership Division.”
Strom has repped a mix of public figures, including former Vice President Joe Biden, Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai, Gayle King, will.i.am, Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Jeff Gordon, and Chad Hurley. He’s also worked with brands including Google, YouTube, Target, Red Bull, Salesforce and Samsung on talent partnerships.
Also Read: Veteran Talent Agent Lorrie Bartlett Joins ICM Partners Board
Prior to becoming an agent, Strom worked with former President Bill Clinton in his Harlem offices, where he is credited with launching the Clinton Millennium Network – engaging the next generation of leaders, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs. Strom began his career in politics and public service and served as director of the chairman’s office at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
“Innovation and ideas are driving every aspect of the modern world today, and the power of thought leaders, innovators, politicians and corporate leaders is expanding with it,” Sures said in a statement. “As UTA expands, we are at the intersection where thought leadership meets media – and so our next step was to bring on a leading professional whose standing and background will resonate with the creative, thoughtful minds shaping culture today.
“Darnell will be that powerful strategist for our clients,” he continued. “His leadership will help bring new voices into UTA and support our existing clients – their work, ideas and ambitions for the world around them as they help change the way we think, conduct business and create culture for the future.”
Strom is a graduate of Florida A&M University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Read original story UTA Hires Veteran Agent Darnell Strom to Lead New Culture and Leadership Division At TheWrap
