Follow LA Observed on Twitter here
Former ICM co-president Ed Limato is moving back to the William Morris Agency, as Nikki Finke reported earlier in the week. LImato spent ten years at WMA between stints at ICM. He's taking along clients Denzel Washington, Mel Gibson, Richard Gere, Steve Martin, Michael Biehn, Thomas Jane, Derek Luke, Sam Neill, and Adrian Lyne, according to the William Morris release that follows. Curiously, there is no mention of a title for Limato.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA (August 16, 2007) __ Ed Limato, one of the industry’s most highly regarded talent agents, has joined the William Morris Agency (WMA), it was announced today by WMA’s Chief Executive Officer, Jim Wiatt.
“Over the years I’ve respected and admired Ed as both a colleague and competitor, and I can assure you I prefer him as a colleague” said Wiatt. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome him back to William Morris. He is one of the most skilled agents in the business, and his addition is invaluable, as he brings with him not only an incredible roster, but infinite experience.”
"Ed's arrival at WMA provides great value to both parties,” said WMA President Dave Wirtschafter. “William Morris benefits from his expertise and experience, and at the same time we provide him and his clients with extensive support in all areas of business. This is an amazing opportunity to do great things for the artists that will join Ed at our company."
“I am excited to begin this next phase of my career with my former colleagues Jim Wiatt and Dave Wirtschafter, with whom I spent several years at ICM,” said Limato. “Having spent 10 of my most productive years (1978 – 1988) at William Morris, it all seems to have come full circle. William Morris is by far the best place for me and all of my clients to continue to excel in the business at the highest level. I have many friends and former colleagues working there and look forward to working with and getting to know all of the talented people at William Morris.”
Formerly Co-President of International Creative Management (ICM), Mr. Limato is one of entertainment’s most recognized and respected executives. He began his career in ICM’s mailroom in New York in 1966, leaving for a ten-year stay at WMA in 1978 before returning to ICM. During his tenure at ICM, Mr. Limato helped grow and raise the profile of ICM with his stable of A-list clients.
Denzel Washington, Mel Gibson, Richard Gere, Steve Martin, Michael Biehn, Thomas Jane, Derek Luke, Sam Neill, and Adrian Lyne will be joining Limato in his move to WMA.