United Talent Agency had promoted four executives to partner: René Jones, Jim Meenaghan, Rich Shuter and David Spingarn.
They join Chief Operating Officer Andrew Thau as one of the company’s non-agent partners. With these promotions, the agency now has 58 partners.
“Over the years, we have recruited some of the most talented executives in our industry who have provided our clients and colleagues with the strongest support,” said UTA CEO and board member Jeremy Zimmer. “Jim, David, René and Rich are the best of the best. They bring amazing value to UTA every day and, as we grow, will continue to add invaluable insights and resources to everything we do.”
Jones is a 14-year UTA veteran and currently serves as global head of philanthropy. She helped launch UTA’s Foundation and philanthropic efforts in 2004 and also spearheaded UTA’s Project Impact, where UTA employees volunteer in their communities for a day. Prior to UTA, she worked in national non-profits and political campaigns.
Meenaghan has spent nine years at UTA and currently serves as the co-head of the UTA Independent Film Group, where he oversees the film business affairs division. He’s worked on financing efforts of films like “The Big Sick,” “Isle of Dogs” and the upcoming “Bad Times at the El Royale.” Before joining UTA, he was the head of business affairs for Walden Media and Icon Films. He began his career at Disney.
Shuter has been at the agency for nine years and currently serves as UTA’s head of television business affairs, where he has been the lead negotiator on franchises like “CSI,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “Modern Family.” Before UTA, he ran business affairs for DreamWorks Television and worked for DreamWorks SKG.
Lastly, Spingarn currently serves as chief strategy officer at UTA, having joined the agency in 2010. Since then, he led UTA’s M&A and investment activity. Before UTA, he worked in strategic planning and business development for companies like Disney, Fox and Universal Music.
15 Hollywood Stars Up for Grabs in CAA-UTA Talent Shakeup (Photos)
As five top agents left Creative Artists Agency on Tuesday, accepting partnerships at United Talent Agency, major clients are up for grabs. Take a look at the star-studded list, compiled by TheWrap.
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WILL FERRELL Ferrell most recently appeared with Kevin Hart in the $34 million-grossing comedy "Get Hard." Since this gallery first published, he has signed with UTA.
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MELISSA MCCARTHY The "Bridesmaids" star will topline the forthcoming Paul Feig comedy "Spy." Since this gallery first published, she has signed with UTA.
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JASON SUDEIKIS Sudeikis is a major comedy player with hits like "Horrible Bosses" and the forthcoming "Sleeping With Other People."
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JIM PARSONS The Emmy and Golden Globe winner is "The Big Bang Theory's" golden boy, with a salary to match.
CBS
SETH MEYERS NBC's late night host is digging his heels into the timeslot with the help of lead-in Jimmy Fallon.
NBC
ZOOEY DESCHANEL Deschanel's Fox comedy "New Girl" has just been renewed for a fifth season.
Fox
ED HELMS Helms will next pioneer a reboot of the "Vacation," franchise, made legendary by Chevy Chase.
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CHRIS PRATT Pratt made a major career crossover into leading man territory with "Guardians of the Galaxy," and will next be tasked with delivering a hit with "Jurassic World." Since this gallery first published, he has signed with UTA.
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JOHNNY KNOXVILLE Knoxville (pictured with comedy legend Don Rickles) commands the "Jackass" brand and occasionally ventures into high-brow comedy territory
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MINDY KALING A onetime UTA client before she departed for CAA, Kaling is in play. She's currently writer, producer and star of Fox's "The Mindy Project."
Fox
SARAH SILVERMAN Silverman just won an Emmy for her HBO comedy special "We Are Miracles!" and serves as guest star on Showtime's "Masters of Sex."
Comedy Central
LESLEY HEADLAND The up-and-comer scored amazing notices and broke VOD records for her 2013 comedy "Bachelorette." She directs the upcoming Jason Sudeikis comedy "Sleeping With Other People."
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GARRY MARSHALL An acting and directing icon, Marshall would be a prestige get for any agency. He last directed 2011's "New Years Eve."
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”We’re very confident that a number of the high profile clients will come with us,“ a UTA insider told TheWrap. Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy in contention
As five top agents left Creative Artists Agency on Tuesday, accepting partnerships at United Talent Agency, major clients are up for grabs. Take a look at the star-studded list, compiled by TheWrap.