Skims Co-Founder and CEO Jens Grede has joined United Talent Agency’s board of directors.
Grede is also the co-founder and Chairman of FRAME and a prolific investor in the consumer and media industry through his holding company Popular Culture. Prior to partnering with Kim Kardashian to launch the shapewear and clothing line Skims in 2019, Grede founded Los Angeles-based FRAME with Erik Torstensson in 2012. Before that, the duo spent years working in fashion and media, co-founding the marketing agency Saturday Group in 2003. The Saturday Group and its subsidiary companies were sold individually to Omnicom and Interpublic Group between 2015 and 2018 as Grede shifted his focus to other consumer and media businesses. During Grede’s leadership at Skims, the private company has mushroomed to a reported $4 billion in value.
“Jens brings a remarkable track record of developing and growing category-leading brands at the center of culture and commerce. His vision and insight will be a valuable addition to UTA as we continue to help clients navigate the ever-changing entertainment and brand landscape. We’re excited to welcome Jens to UTA’s board,” said David Kramer, CEO of United Talent Agency.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the UTA Board and work alongside David and leadership as the Company continues to identify and unlock opportunities in an evolving entertainment and brand landscape,” stated Grede. “UTA has long been at the forefront of shaping culture and elevating talent across the creative industries. I look forward to contributing to its continued success and helping to drive forward its mission of delivering unparalleled value to clients, partners, and the broader marketplace.”
Grede’s appointment to the board comes in the wake of David Kramer being named CEO of UTA on June 1, that news previously announced in March. Kramer oversees all strategic planning and operations for UTA’s global business. As President, Kramer was most recently responsible for key divisions such as filmed entertainment — which includes motion picture literary, television literary, talent, production arts, and independent film — as well as comedy touring and publishing. Kramer brought strategic investor EQT to UTA to boost its growth. He also led UTA’s acquisition of UK literary and talent agency Curtis Brown Group.
UTA’s business spans talent representation, content production, as well as strategic advisory and marketing work with notable brands including Digital Brand Architects, KLUTCH Sports Group, Curtis Brown Group, MediaLink and ROOF.
