United Talent Agency (UTA) has appointed Darnell Strom as head of UTA’s UK office.
Based in London, Strom will oversee UTA’s UK operation and continued expansion into key markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Strom, who is a partner at UTA, was head of the culture & commerce division at the agency prior to taking the top role in London. He will move from LA for the newly-created sole leadership position.
“The newly created role underscores UTA’s ambition to evolve London into a major international hub for the company,” said a statement.
Following a number of regional strategic investments including the acquisition of literary and talent agency Curtis Brown, ROOF Football Agency, and consultancy firm MediaLink, UTA opened its new London office two years ago.
Strom has cross-disciplinary knowledge and a global network of client relationships spanning entertainment, fashion/luxury, sport and media.
UTA said his leadership will focus on strengthening integration and connectivity across UTA’s European operations, unlocking new business opportunities, and driving growth throughout the region.
“This marks an exciting new chapter for UTA,” said David Kramer, UTA CEO. “Darnell has long been a connector across departments, industries, and geographies. His deep relationships and creative vision make him uniquely suited to lead this next phase of our international expansion.”
This marks an exciting new chapter for UTA
David Kramer
Strom has already played a central role in UTA’s global strategy, representing clients such as Malala Yousafzai, Michaela Coel, Grace Wales Bonner, Jonathan Anderson, i-D Magazine, Mickey Down & Konrad Kay (creators of BBC/HBO hit Industry), Jon Batiste, Karlie Kloss, Jose Andres, Whitney Wolfe Herd and Alexis Ohanian.
He was previously an agent at CAA, where he worked with clients across television, speaking, books, motion picture, technology, podcasts, and digital as well as helped connect talent with top global brands.
“London is one of the most dynamic and creative markets in the world, and UTA has only scratched the surface of what’s possible here,” said Darnell Strom. “I’m honoured to lead our next phase of growth working with the incredible team we have in London, to build a stronger and more connected UTA across London, Europe and beyond.”
In his new role, Strom will work closely with UTA’s London teams across music, creators, brand marketing, comedy, production arts and advisory services to strengthen the agency’s UK and EMEA footprint. This will include close collaboration with Curtis Brown Group and ROOF Football Agency.
UTA’s London office was previously jointly led by agents and co-heads of UK music, Neil Warnock MBE and Obi Asika.
Obi Asika stepped back from his leadership role at UTA in London earlier this year to focus on his Malachite Group business.
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