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UTA Expands Communications Team With Additionof Gabe Tesorieroand Kate Cafaro

UTA Bolsters Communications Team with Key Hires of Gabe Tesoriero and Kate Cafaro

In a strategic move to strengthen its public relations and media strategy amid a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape, United Talent Agency (UTA) has announced the appointment of two seasoned communications executives to lead its global and corporate communications efforts. Gabe Tesoriero has been named head of global communications, while Kate Cafaro joins as head of corporate communications. These hires underscore UTA's commitment to enhancing its narrative in an industry facing unprecedented challenges, from streaming wars to talent representation shifts.

Tesoriero, a veteran in the communications field with a proven track record at major media conglomerates, brings a wealth of experience to his new role at UTA. Previously, he served as the executive vice president of publicity and communications at Warner Bros. Discovery, where he oversaw publicity strategies for a vast portfolio of content, including high-profile film and television projects. His tenure there included managing communications for blockbuster franchises and navigating complex media mergers, such as the WarnerMedia-Discovery integration. Before that, Tesoriero held senior positions at HBO, where he was instrumental in shaping the public image of groundbreaking series like "Game of Thrones" and "Succession." His expertise in crisis management and brand elevation has made him a sought-after figure in Hollywood circles.

At UTA, Tesoriero will be responsible for overseeing the agency's worldwide communications strategy, including media relations, executive visibility, and internal messaging. This role is particularly crucial as UTA expands its footprint beyond traditional talent representation into areas like music, sports, and digital media. Insiders note that Tesoriero's arrival comes at a time when talent agencies are increasingly acting as full-service entertainment powerhouses, requiring sophisticated PR to manage client deals, agency announcements, and industry partnerships. His approach is expected to blend proactive storytelling with reactive damage control, ensuring UTA remains a dominant voice in entertainment discourse.

Complementing Tesoriero's global focus, Kate Cafaro steps into the head of corporate communications position with an equally impressive resume. Cafaro most recently served as vice president of communications at Netflix, where she led PR efforts for the streaming giant's corporate initiatives, including investor relations and policy advocacy. Her work at Netflix involved crafting narratives around the company's growth in international markets and its responses to regulatory scrutiny, such as content moderation debates and subscription model changes. Prior to Netflix, Cafaro honed her skills at ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global), managing communications for corporate affairs and executive leadership.

In her new capacity at UTA, Cafaro will handle the agency's corporate messaging, focusing on business development, mergers and acquisitions, and stakeholder engagement. This includes communicating UTA's ventures into new territories, such as its recent investments in podcasting and live events. Her role will be pivotal in articulating UTA's corporate vision to investors, partners, and the public, especially as the agency navigates economic uncertainties in the post-pandemic era. Cafaro's background in tech-driven entertainment aligns perfectly with UTA's forward-looking strategy, which emphasizes innovation in representation and content creation.

The dual appointments signal a broader trend in the talent agency sector, where robust communications teams are essential for maintaining competitive edges. UTA, one of Hollywood's "Big Four" agencies alongside CAA, WME, and ICM Partners (now part of CAA), has been aggressive in its expansion. Recent years have seen UTA acquire companies like MediaHound and PressPlay, bolstering its digital and influencer divisions. With Tesoriero and Cafaro on board, UTA aims to amplify these moves through targeted PR campaigns that highlight its role in shaping the future of entertainment.

Industry observers praise the hires as a smart pivot. "In an era where agencies are as much about brand management as deal-making, having top-tier comms talent like Gabe and Kate is a game-changer," said one entertainment executive familiar with the agency world. Tesoriero's experience with high-stakes publicity at Warner Bros. Discovery equips him to handle UTA's diverse client roster, which includes A-listers in film, TV, music, and beyond. Similarly, Cafaro's Netflix pedigree brings a data-informed approach to corporate storytelling, which could help UTA differentiate itself in crowded markets.

Both executives will report to UTA's leadership, including co-presidents Jay Sures and David Kramer, who have been vocal about the agency's growth ambitions. In statements, UTA emphasized that these roles will foster a more integrated communications framework, ensuring consistency across global operations. Tesoriero expressed enthusiasm about joining UTA, noting, "The agency is at the forefront of cultural innovation, and I'm thrilled to help tell its story on a global stage." Cafaro echoed this sentiment, adding, "UTA's dynamic approach to talent and business makes it an exciting place to drive corporate narratives that resonate with stakeholders worldwide."

This isn't UTA's first foray into bolstering its internal teams. The agency has a history of strategic hires, such as bringing on experts from tech giants to enhance its digital strategy. The addition of Tesoriero and Cafaro continues this pattern, potentially setting the stage for more announcements as UTA eyes further acquisitions and partnerships. In the broader context of Hollywood's transformation, where agencies are competing with streaming platforms and production studios for talent loyalty, strong communications are vital. Missteps in PR can lead to lost clients or reputational damage, as seen in past agency scandals.

Looking ahead, Tesoriero and Cafaro's influence could extend to UTA's advocacy efforts, such as supporting diversity initiatives in entertainment or addressing labor issues like the recent writers' and actors' strikes. Their combined expertise might also play a role in UTA's international expansion, particularly in emerging markets like Asia and Europe, where localized PR strategies are key to success.

Overall, these hires represent a significant investment in UTA's infrastructure, positioning the agency to not only represent top talent but also to shape industry conversations. As the entertainment world continues to evolve with AI, virtual production, and global content distribution, UTA's enhanced communications team will be instrumental in navigating these changes. With Tesoriero and Cafaro leading the charge, UTA is poised to maintain its status as a powerhouse in the talent representation arena, blending traditional Hollywood savvy with modern media acumen.

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Read the Full Variety Article at:
[ https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/uta-communications-gabe-tesoriero-kate-cafaro-1236479582/ ]