Leading global talent and entertainment company United Talent Agency (UTA) has strengthened its presence in the digital sector with the acquisition of social influencer management firm Digital Brand Architects (DBA).
Founded in 2010 by CEO Raina Penchansky and co-owned by The Azoff Company since 2013, DBA consists of more than 50 employees and represents over 140 of the most prominent influencers, with clients including Gabi Gregg (Gabi Fresh), Aimee Song (Song Of Style), Camila Coelho, Rach Parcell (Pink Peonies), Amber Lewis (Amber Interiors), Gina Homolka (Skinnytaste), Gaby Dalkin (What’s Gaby Cooking), Naomi Davis (Love Taza), Genevieve Padalecki (Now & Gen), Julia Engel (Gal Meets Glam) and Emily Schuman (Cupcakes And Cashmere).
DBA will continue to operate as a separate, independent company and will maintain its existing business operations, including its offices in New York and Los Angeles, under Penchansky's leadership.
UTA has also acquired DBA’s interest in Digital Brand Products (DBP), which builds and brokers new fashion, beauty and other licensed products around DBA’s clients, and Dear Media, DBA’s premium audio studio and distribution entity.
“Raina and her team have built an extraordinary company, with an inspiring, client-first culture, that has allowed them to be true leaders in the influencer marketplace,” said Brent Weinstein, UTA partner and chief innovation officer, who will oversee DBA and its associated entities. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with the entire DBA, DBP and Dear Media teams to help ensure that our organisations and clients continue to be leaders and innovators in this fast-growing space.”
“Simply put, DBA and UTA are a great fit,” said Penchansky. “Both companies were out front in recognising the potential of the digital talent marketplace and we have like-minded missions, values and culture. By joining one of the premier companies in the global talent industry, DBA has an extraordinary opportunity to accelerate growth, offer a new wealth of creative opportunities to clients, and dedicate even more resources to expanding our leadership in innovation.”
Azoff said: “When we invested in DBA in 2013 we recognized the future of the company. In the following five-plus years, we have seen tremendous success with the venture as DBA became an industry leader in the space. It’s great to put two friends together and we wish DBA continued success under the UTA banner.”
The development comes days after UTA welcomed former Kilimanjaro Live comedy promoter Georgie Donnelly as an agent. Donnelly will be based in London and will book and represent comedy acts internationally.
Kilimanjaro Live has hired Michael Clapham from Perfect Strangers Comedy to replace Donnelly.
Click here to read Deviate Digital CEO Sammy Andrews' guide to influencer marketing from this week's issue.
