Global talent, entertainment, sports, and advisory company UTA has promoted James Wright to co-head of its U.K. music group. Wright will lead the London-based music team alongside long-standing U.K. co-head Neil Warnock, “steering the department’s short and long-term strategies and overall industry positioning.”
Wright joined UTA in 2015 following the company’s acquisition of The Agency Group. Prior to that, he served as an agent at Elastic Artists. Before moving into the live music sector in 2009, Wright was A&R manager for Candid Records, where he signed acts, released records and launched an in-house live booking agency offering contracts to the label’s artists.
“His formidable and eclectic roster spans pop, adult contemporary, jazz, electronic, and hip-hop, and includes artists such as Lizzo, Take That, John Legend, David Byrne, Jacob Collier, Underworld, The Marías, Rita Ora and Jon Batiste,” UTA said.
UTA’s global music co-heads Sam Kirby Yoh and David Zedek said: “UTA’s global music business is built on collaboration across genres, disciplines and territories, and London is a cornerstone of that network. The team there is critical to everything from identifying the next wave of international touring talent to executing complex global runs for established stars. By elevating James, we’re investing further in London as a strategic base for our worldwide touring ambitions and unlocking even more opportunity for our artists.”
Said Wright: “Leading the London music group with Neil at such a pivotal time is incredibly exciting. Our focus is on signing exceptional artists and continuing to build a team culture that is inclusive, collaborative and accountable, where a colleague’s win or an artist’s success genuinely feels like a win for everyone.”
And Warnock added: “It’s been a privilege to watch James grow into not only a first-class agent but a thoughtful, trusted leader. His intelligence, self-deprecating humour and razor‑sharp instincts will be instrumental in shaping the next chapter of UTA’s global music business.”
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