Artists First Promotes E. Brian Dobbins, David Gardner to Co-Presidents

Dobbins and Gardner have worked at management firm for over 15 years

PYE Artists First

Management/production company Artists First has promoted longtime managers E. Brian Dobbins and David Gardner as co-presidents.

Dobbins and Gardner will continue to work with former president Peter Principato, who will remain as CEO. Dobbins and Gardner have both worked at Artists First for over 15 years, joining the company when it was known as Principato-Young before its 2018 rebrand.

Dobbins, who joined in 2000, has a client list that includes “Black-ish” trio Kenya Barris, Anthony Anderson, and Tracee Ellis Ross as well as “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu. Gardner, who joined Principato-Young/Artists First in 2003, has clients that include Judy Greer, Ken Marino and Neil Marshall.

“Brian and David have continually shown their dedication to this company, its culture, and leadership, and I am happy to have their wisdom in helping lead Artists First into the future,” Principato said. “We are committed to growing our organization intelligently and providing clients with the best overall experience and opportunities. On behalf of the partners, we are excited to appoint them as Co-Presidents.”

The promotion was first reported by Deadline.

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