The agent carousel continues.
Rob Prinz, who established UTA’s music department in 2001, has joined ICM as a new partner, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Veteran concerts agent Nikki Wheeler is also making the jump from UTA to ICM.
They are bringing a roster of established music and comedy talent that includes Celine Dion, Hall & Oates, John Hiatt, Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band, Jerry Seinfeld, Rick Springfield and more.
“I am incredibly proud to bring in Rob as a partner,” said co-head of worldwide concerts Steve Levine, who will share the title with Prinz. “his leadership, senior relationships in the industry, and diverse list of iconic clients are a perfect fit for us. We’ve been enjoying a tremendous period of growth in our touring business, and I’m thrilled to have Rob and Nikki on board to keep that momentum going.”
Prinz led UTA’s music and personal appearances department. He began his career in William Morris’ New York office, where he was credited with discovering Madonna. He also spent 11 years at CAA, where in addition to Dion and Seinfeld he repped Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand and Bon Jovi.
“Steve and I have been friends for years, and the chance to work alongside him and the concerts group’s extraordinary artists in music and comedy is energizing,” Prinz said in a statement.
Wheeler has followed Prinz since her career started 18 years ago at CAA. She moved with him when he founded Principal Artists Group in 1999 and then again when he was tapped to start up the music department at a fledgling UTA two years later. In addition to repping artists and comedians, she also has worked on music initiatives for corporate clients including Amazon and American Eagle Outfitters.
“Rob is one of the most respected and admired members of the music and comedy communities,” the Board of ICM Partners said in a joint statement. “With Rob, Steve and Mark Siegel at the helm of our concerts group, we are well positioned not only to continue to build our touring business but also to develop and mentor the next generation of its leaders. We are pleased to welcome both Rob and Nikki to the agency.” [The Hollywood Reporter]
