EXCLUSIVE: Two more senior KMR Talent agents, Doug Kesten and Tracey Goldblum, Vice Presidents and Co-Heads of New York On-Camera Commercials, have left the agency, whose franchise with SAG-AFTRA was suspended on Friday following weeks of mounting problems with client payment delays.
The veteran duo has joined Los Angeles-based agency Brady Brannon & Rich, which is focused on commercial representation, to open a New York office. They also are bringing with them their assistant.
“All of us at BBR have admired the outstanding work ethic, integrity, and care for performers Doug and Tracey have exhibited throughout their careers,” said BBR CEO Stuart K. Robinson. “It’s an honor for us to have them join the BBR team.”
Goldblum worked in the commercial department of Abrams Artists for almost 36 years, rising to SVP, before she joined KMR in 2019 to launch a New York commercial department. In 2020, she was joined by Kesten, who was coming off a 23-year-tenure at Paradigm where he was the head of their Commercial Department.
“Tracey and Doug are two legends in this business,” KMR owner and President Mark Measures said. “I know they will thrive at their new home. BBR is lucky to have them.”
All agents in KMR’s formidable commercial department have now moved on. As Deadline reported, Jamie Hernandez, Head of Adult On-Camera Commercial, teamed with KMR talent agent Alicia Ruskin, Partner/SVP, to open their own shop, True Artists Agency. Agent Valerie Chiovetti just joined Stewart Talent’s commercial department.
Other major departures from the embattled KMR, which cannot work with SAG-AFTRA members during the franchise suspension, include Jed Abrahams who resigned Saturday as SVP and head of the agency’s New York office.