Stalwart UK lit agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates has appointed leading agent Jodi Shields to the position of Chairwoman with overall responsibility for the company.
Following three decades at the firm, most recently overseeing the film and TV business, Shields now takes on the newly created role.
Tracy Brimm, who joined in 2018 as Creative Affairs Executive will expand her role to include the position of Head of Film and Television.
As Chairwoman, Shields will serve as the strategic lead, working closely with COO Ian Devlin, Head of Theatre Mel Kenyon, the board of directors, heads of department and the advisory board. The role aims to shape the company’s long-term vision and “ensure that the values of the independent agency continue to grow and evolve”. Alongside her tenure as Chairwoman, she will continue her work as a senior agent.
Shields joined the company in 1998, nine years after it was founded Giorgio and the late Jenne Casarotto. She has amassed an enviable client list including Steve McQueen, Edward Berger, Peter Straughan, Sarah Gavron, Lone Scherfig, Bart Layton, Kibwe Tavares, Ian Hislop, John Crowley, Susanna White, Nia DaCosta, Purvis and Wade, Jessica Hobbs, Gregory Burke, Waad Al-Kateab, Tony Grisoni, Stephen Frears, Christopher Hampton, David Hare, Shawn Slovo and John Madden, as well as the estates of Dame Muriel Spark, JG Ballard and Tennessee Williams.
Brimm previously held positions at Forward Films, ICM and TF1 International. In the newly expanded role of Head of Film and Television, she will “oversee the direction and operations of the Film and Television department whilst continuing to lead Creative Affairs, cultivating key industry relationships and facilitating strategic connections between the agency’s clients, creative partners, and bespoke material”.
Longtime Casarotto leader Jenne Casarotto passed away in March of last year following a short illness, a time the company board previously described as “tumultuous” and “difficult”. Shortly after, the agency’s managing director Anna Higgs exited after only a year at the firm. The independent company has now settled on new leadership.
Chairwoman Jodi Shields said: “When it comes to fearless leadership of our beloved company, I had the opportunity to learn from the best in Jenne Casarotto. I look forward to channelling her indomitable spirit to ensure that Casarotto continues to stand at the forefront of London’s global creative output, connecting storytellers, producers, and media companies from around the world, as we have done for the past 36 years. I have greatly enjoyed my eight years as Head of Film and Television, and I have no doubt that Tracy will approach the role with her signature energy, expertise and clarity of vision. Casarotto remains proudly independent, collaborative, and dedicated to nurturing a wide range of talent with individualised guidance and a personal touch, whilst championing and amplifying marginalised voices across the industry. These changes in our leadership reflect our continued commitment to these beliefs.”
Tracy Brimm, Head of Film and Television, commented: “I’m thrilled to step into this expanded role and to help steer our ambitious and dedicated team that truly embodies collaborative excellence. Together, we are deeply committed to supporting and delivering on our clients’ ambitions. I look forward to ensuring we continue to innovate and adapt—always with an eye on our clients and bringing their stories to the screen—while building on the company’s impressive legacy to shape an even brighter future for our clients and for the agency.”
Source link
