It’s Official: Marc Geiger Is Out at WME

Marc Geiger and Sara Newkirk Simon have left their posts atop WME’s music division, it was announced Thursday.

Sources tell Billboard that Geiger left the world’s top music agency on amicable terms amid larger strategic changes at the agency that has been rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic. As previously reported by Billboard, Geiger, partner and worldwide head of music, began negotiating his exit earlier this week. Co-head and partner Newkirk Simon is also exiting the music department and transitioning to a consultant role with WME parent company Endeavor.

The music department will now be lead by a trifecta of Scott Clayton, Lucy Dickins and Kirk Sommer. Clayton joined the agency from Creative Artists Agency in 2017 and represents superstar artists including John Mayer, Kings of Leon and My Morning Jacket. He will also continue in his role as co-head of WME’s Nashville office along with Becky Gardenhire, Joey Lee and Jay Williams.

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Dickins joined WME in 2019, representing powerhouse clients Adele, Mumford & Sons and James Blake in the U.K. Sommer is a long-time co-head of the music division and represents clients Adele, The Killers, Sam Smith, Arctic Monkeys, Hozier and Marshmello.

“Under Marc’s leadership, WME’s Music division has become a global powerhouse,” said Lloyd Braun, president of Endeavor’s representation businesses, in a statement. “During his tenure, Marc led countless agency initiatives and ‘firsts’ for the music industry, including the creation of Festivals and EDM divisions and building out WME’s leading London and Sydney music teams. We thank Marc for his countless contributions to WME and wish him all the best going forward.”

Geiger added, “The past 17 years have been an incredible ride, and I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the world’s best artists and colleagues. I’m proud of all that we accomplished, most especially the team we built during my time with the agency. I know they will achieve great things in the future.”

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Newkirk Simon will consult for WME’s parent company Endeavor on crossover initiatives for all of Endeavor’s representation businesses. Additionally, Newkirk Simon will continue to serve as an advisor to WME’s music division.

“Sara has played a critical role in managing our music division and positively impacting the career trajectories of countless clients,” said Braun. “We are deeply grateful for her contributions at the agency.”

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