David Kramer and Jay Sures have been named co-president of United Talent Agency (UTA), UTA’s Board of Directors announced Wednesday.
The pair became Managing Directors in 2010 and worked with CEO Jeremy Zimmer to grow UTA’s business. Over the past five years, the company has doubled in size to now include over 850 people globally, made major acquisitions in music, news and finance sectors, and recruited numerous agents and executives on both the creative and business sides.
In 2017, UTA announced its equity stake in investment firm AGM Partners, a 20 percent expansion of its partner ranks, a roster of directors that represents half the year’s top-grossing film, and a decision to cancel its annual Oscar party to hold a “United Voices” rally that financially benefitted the ACLU and International Committee for Refugees.
Kramer oversees UTA’s motion picture group which includes its literary, talent, independent film finance, media rights and production departments, and he also directs the agency’s comedy touring, licensing, endorsement and publishing arms.
Sures oversees the agency’s television divisions, which includes UTA’s scripted and non-scripted groups, news and broadcasting, TV talent and speakers group.
“Jay and David embody the greatest parts of UTA, and I couldn’t ask for better, smarter or more creative partners,” said Zimmer. “They are, first and foremost, among our industry’s best agents. But they are also great colleagues, whose collaboration and entrepreneurship have helped build UTA into what it is today–a true, diversified media company with global reach. As UTA continues to grow and pursue new ventures, partnerships and acquisitions, these titles are a more appropriate reflection of their central roles and what’s next for UTA as an entertainment company.”
“As we continue to expand and evolve into a truly diverse entertainment company, artists and creators remain at the center of everything we do,” said Kramer and Sures, who both began their careers as assistants to UTA Co-Founder Peter Benedek. “For us, this partnership has worked so well for so long because it’s always been more than just a professional experience. We’ve loved working and growing the business together, and we look forward to continuing that work with our fellow board members, partners, and everyone across the agency.”
UTA’s client roster includes Anthony Anderson, Wes Anderson, Judd Apatow, Elizabeth Banks, Samantha Bee, Alec Berg, Anderson Cooper, Bryan Cranston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lena Dunham, Will Ferrell, Harrison Ford, Jodie Foster, James Franco, James Gunn, Kevin Hart, Angelina Jolie, Chuck Lorre, Dr. Phil, Chris Pratt, Seth Rogen, Mark Ruffalo, Amy Schumer, Jill Soloway, Wanda Sykes, Jake Tapper and Channing Tatum.