Global talent, entertainment, sports and advisory company United Talent Agency (UTA) has appointed partner Darnell Strom as its head of UTA’s U.K. office in London. The executive has experience in politics, including past work with Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. At UTA, he has been a key player for its global strategy and has worked across business areas, representing such clients as Malala Yousafzai, Michaela Coel, Grace Wales Bonner, Jonathan Anderson, i-D Magazine, BBC/HBO hit Industry creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, Jon Batiste, Karlie Kloss, Jose Andres, Whitney Wolfe Herd, and Alexis Ohanian.
Moving from L.A. to London, “Strom will oversee UTA’s extensive U.K. operation and continued expansion into key markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa,” the company said. The newly created role “underscores UTA’s ambition to evolve London into a major international hub for the company,” following its decision to open a new London office in 2023 after the acquisition of literary powerhouse Curtis Brown, the ROOF Football Agency, and consultancy firm MediaLink.
“Strom brings both extensive experience of working at UTA, alongside deep cross-disciplinary knowledge and a global network of client relationships spanning entertainment, fashion/luxury, sports, and media,” the firm said. “His leadership will focus on strengthening integration and connectivity across UTA’s European operations, unlocking new business opportunities, and driving growth throughout the region.”
Said UTA CEO David Kramer: “This marks an exciting new chapter for UTA. Darnell has long been a connector across departments, industries, and geographies. His deep relationships and creative vision make him uniquely suited to lead this next phase of our international expansion.”
Strom said London is “one of the most dynamic and creative markets in the world, and UTA has only scratched the surface of what’s possible here.” He added: “I’m honored to lead our next phase of growth working with the incredible team we have in London, to build a stronger and more connected UTA across London, Europe and beyond.”
Strom joined UTA in 2019 and previously served as head of culture & commerce. In his new role, he will work closely with UTA’s London teams across the firm’s music, creators, brand marketing, comedy, production arts, and advisory services units. This will include close collaboration with Curtis Brown Group and ROOF Football Agency.
Strom began his career in politics, non-profit work, and social entrepreneurship. He served as director of the chair’s office at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He was then named the Florida Director of Operations for John Kerry’s presidential campaign. In 2005, Strom served as deputy director of scheduling to former President Bill Clinton and was subsequently tasked with creating a program, the Clinton Foundation Millennium Network, which reflected Clinton’s vision of engaging the next generation of leaders. Later, he served on President Barack Obama’s White House Entertainment Council.