Talent agency WME has appointed Rob Markus as Head of International for its contemporary music division, expanding the responsibilities of a senior partner who has spent more than two decades at the agency.
Markus will oversee international touring strategy and operations across all markets. The appointment was announced by Lucy Dickins, Global Head of Contemporary Music and Touring, and Kirk Sommer, Global Co-Head of Contemporary Music and Touring, on Monday (December 1).
Markus will continue working from WME’s Beverly Hills office.
WME says Markus helped build WME’s Latin Music repertoire, which now represents artists including Danny Ocean, Gustavo Mioto, Humbe, J Balvin, Juanes, Maluma, Nathy Peluso, Paulo Londra, Pedro Sampaio and more.
Markus’ client list also includes A Perfect Circle, Avenged Sevenfold, Depeche Mode, Kygo, Måneskin, Nine Inch Nails, Paul Anka, The Flaming Lips, The Hives, Toto and Will Smith, among others.
WME also noted that Markus helped expand the Lollapalooza festival franchise into South America, with annual editions now operating in Argentina, Brazil and Chile.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead WME’s international music team and look forward to growing and guiding our global roster with the same team approach that has served me well throughout my career.”
Rob Markus, WME
Before joining WME, Markus worked in the recorded music industry in Eastern Europe. He ran EMI and Virgin Records operations in Hungary and established EMI Music Publishing‘s presence across Eastern Europe.
Dickins and Sommer said: “Rob understands the international touring business and its increasing complexities and importance to an artist’s career better than anyone.”
“Having lived and worked around the world, Rob possesses a deep knowledge of the nuances of the live music space in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and South America, as well as emerging tour markets like the Middle East, Africa, and India. This expansion of his role fortifies our global music presence and elevates the best-in-class services we offer our clients and partners.”
Commenting on his new role, Markus said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead WME’s international music team and look forward to growing and guiding our global roster with the same team approach that has served me well throughout my career.”
“This expansion of his role fortifies our global music presence and elevates the best-in-class services we offer our clients and partners.”
Lucy Dickins and Kirk Sommer, WME
WME operates offices in multiple locations globally including Australia, Chicago, China, London, Miami, Nashville and New York. Part of WME Group, the agency represents talent across various sectors, including fashion, film, sports, comedy, music and more. Last year, superstar Billie Eilish signed with WME.
Nearly two months ago, WME said it was opting all of its clients out of having their likeness used in the latest version of Sora, OpenAI’s video generation tool. Chris Jacquemin, WME’s Chief Digital Officer, said in a memo to agents: “Our position is that artists should have a choice in how they show up in the world and how their likeness is used and we have notified OpenAI that all WME clients be opted out of the latest Sora AI update.”
In September, WME Group led a $20 million Series B funding round for Palm Tree Crew, founded by Norwegian DJ and record producer Kygo and his manager Myles Shear.
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