Wasserman Music has announced the hiring of Kevin Shivers, James Rubin and Cristina Baxter — all from rival agency WME. Shivers and Rubin will join Wasserman’s executive leadership team, marking the global talent firm’s largest expansion since opening its doors in 2021.
Shivers and Rubin will both hold the title of executive vice president and managing executive, while Baxter is joining as senior vp. The appointments are effective immediately, the company said.
Over a 16-year run, Los Angeles-based Shivers advanced from WME’s mail room to become a partner in the agency’s music department, where he helped lead the hip-hop division and managed global A&R. He has represented artists like Tyler, The Creator, Snoop Dogg, Kid Cudi, Solange and Lil Baby, and is known for his mentorship of rising industry leaders and for advocating diverse representation. He is also the most recent recipient of Billboard‘s peer-voted R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Choice Award, honoring the executive who has made the greatest impact across hip-hop and R&B over the past year.
New York City-based Rubin is coming off nine years at WME, where as senior partner and co-head of the hip-hop/R&B team he represented artists including Wiz Khalifa and Travis Scott. Prior to joining WME, he headed up the International Division for Urban Touring and specialized in international markets at The Agency Group in London. Over the years, Billboard has recognized him in its list of impressive young execs, its annual tally of top R&B/hip-hop power players and, most recently, as one of the key leaders in the global recorded-music business.
Baxter, based in Los Angeles, joined WME in 2011 as an assistant and rose to partner and co-director of the pop and rock teams. Over the years, she has represented artists like André 3000, Carly Rae Jepsen, Sofi Tukker, Kygo and others. Like Rubin, she has been recognized with awards such as Billboard‘s 40 Under 40.
All three execs expressed excitement about joining Wasserman Music — “an agency for the future,” said Shivers — citing its innovative and artist-focused approach. They all aim to contribute to the agency’s mission of empowering artists and driving growth opportunities in the industry.
“Kevin, James, and Cristina are highly respected leaders in the industry who exemplify the values on which our company is built,” said Casey Wasserman, chairman and CEO of Wasserman. “We’re thrilled to have them join Team Wass during this exciting period of growth for our global music division.”
Wasserman Music president Lee Anderson added, “It’s gratifying to now refer to some of our toughest competition as our newest teammates and partners.”
