Longtime WME partner Nir Caspi has joined Independent Artist Group as its new head of unscripted and new media and chief growth officer. As part of Mr. Caspi’s arrival, Hayden Meyer, who oversaw alternatives and fact at IAG (and its predecessor APA) for the past 20 years, will take on a new senior role focused on servicing key clients.
At IAG, Mr. Caspi will now oversee the company’s Alternatives and Facts division, as well as lead its digital media efforts. In his dual role as Chief Growth Officer, Mr. Caspi will also be responsible for identifying new business opportunities for IAG and expanding its services.
“Nir is exactly the kind of leader we are looking for, someone who understands both the evolving market and how to empower companies to meet its needs,” IAG CEO Jim Osborne and President Kyle Loftus said in a joint statement. “In building IAG as a true alternative in the full-service agency space, we have focused on growth, innovation, and opportunity for our clients…Nir’s discerning taste, belief in our vision, and common approach to moving forward collaboratively will be essential to the agency’s evolution as we take the agency to the next stage of growth.”
Caspi previously worked in unscripted television, docs, digital media, sports and the creator economy during his time at WME. Among his accomplishments is helping build Netflix’s “Queer Eye” reboot and expanding it into multiple extensions and a brand with a Walmart product line, publishing, licensing and retail spin-offs such as Lego sets.
Caspi’s other credits include work with A. Smith & Co. (“American Ninja Warrior”); “The Free Press” by Bari Weiss. breaklight pictures (“Cowboy Cartel”); Sidestilt Films (“The Pets Outlaws”), Hodsey Films (“An Intimate Night with Adam Pally”), Trent Cooper (“Raising the Flags: 50 Years of Buccaneers Football”), Mission Control (“Hollywood Game Night”), Julian Edelman, Baron Davis, World Series of Poker, Warner Music Group, Linkin Park.
“At a time when agencies across the industry are cutting jobs, IAG, under the leadership of Jim Osborn and Kyle Loftus, has demonstrated a willingness to invest in strategic and transformational growth, positioning IAG as the undisputed top choice to replace the Big Three agencies,” Caspi said in a statement. “I am very excited to join their team as they have the resources and will to continue their growth trajectory and have great customer and contract momentum.”
The news comes as IAG remains in expansion mode, with Loftus being promoted to president last year.
Meyer added. “It has been an honor to build and lead this division. Given the major changes in the entertainment industry and the major shift towards influencer-driven content, the time is right and Niru is the ideal leader to lead the division into the future. I look forward to working with Jim, Kyle and Niru to ensure our continued progress and success as an agency.”
