Paladin Artists Names Rick Levy CEO as Acquisition Talks for Entourage Talent Begin
Paladin Artists has named Rick Levy CEO as the company moves into advanced discussions to acquire Entourage Talent Associates.
A major leadership move and a potential acquisition are moving in tandem at Paladin Artists.
Paladin Artists announced that Rick Levy has been named CEO, as the company enters “advanced discussions” to acquire Entourage Talent Associates, a New York-based boutique agency.. The news lands with Levy stepping into the top role while Paladin weighs how the next chapter of its business could take shape.
Levy brings 25 years of senior leadership experience across major industry organizations, with roles that have included founding partner, COO, and general counsel at ICM Partners. He has also served as interim CEO of Just for Laughs and remains involved as a partner with a London-based agency.
This is the kind of timing that often signals intent: when a leadership change happens alongside acquisition talks, it can mean the company is preparing to integrate capabilities quickly rather than waiting for a later window.
Paladin Artists, which launched in 2021, was built by longtime agents Steve Martin and Andy Somers, later joined by Bruce Solar. The agency was founded in partnership with Entourage, along with The Kagency, tying the organizations together long before any formal deal discussions.
Entourage, founded in 1992, focuses on artists in the rock, blues, and progressive music space. Its leadership presence in Paladin’s orbit has been reinforced over time, with Wayne Forte serving on Paladin’s board since the agency’s start.
Forte, who also leads NITO, has worked with and developed a range of artists over a long career.. In commenting on the relationship between Paladin and Entourage, he emphasized an artist-first approach and highlighted the idea of combining resources while keeping the independence and personal service associated with both organizations.
For Levy, the attraction to the role was tied to the scale of opportunity and Paladin’s ability to stay nimble as the entertainment ecosystem changes. He said the company already has a foundation, a roster, and an artist-centric culture in place, positioning it to pursue strategic growth.
Meanwhile, Martin and Somers said Levy’s experience in building and scaling agency businesses makes him a fit to guide Paladin through its next phase. Solar added that the discussions are also about strengthening capabilities and leadership while creating room for agents and clients to grow.
At the end of the day, what matters is how these moves translate for artists and the people who represent them. If the acquisition progresses, the combined structure could reshape how booking and live entertainment services are organized, with an emphasis on continuity and personalized support.