WME’s Kirk Sommer, Who’s Worked With Everyone From Weezer to Adele, Earns MUSEXPO’s Top Honor

Kirk Sommer, senior partner & global co-head of music at WME will be presented with the International Music Person of the Year award at MUSEXPO, which will return to Burbank, Calif. from March 22–25, 2026.

The presentation will take place on Tuesday, March 24 during an awards gala luncheon at Castaway restaurant in Burbank. Official proclamations will be presented by officials from the state of California, the county of Los Angeles and the city of Burbank.

Prior to the luncheon, MUSEXPO will host a keynote conversation with Sommer, offering a rare, in-depth look into his professional journey.

Sommer began booking small concerts in the mid-1990s, during his freshman year at New York University. He also interned for Delsener/Slater, an independent concert promotion company. During the internship, he realized that he was more interested in being an agent than in being a promoter. In 2000 Sommer was hired as an agent trainee at William Morris in Los Angeles. He started in the mailroom and was promoted to partner when William Morris merged with Endeavor in 2009. He was appointed global co-head of music in 2015, working alongside co-head Lucy Dickins.

In addition to booking concerts and tours, Sommer has focused on scouting new artists in the U.S. and the UK. Key early signings include The Killers, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Sam Smith, Arctic Monkeys and Hozier.

Throughout his nearly 25-year career at WME, Sommer has worked with dozens of artists. Others include Andrea Bocelli, Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Brandon Flowers, Foster The People, Lewis Capaldi, Lola Young, Maren Morris, Michael Kiwanuka, Morrissey, Nine Inch Nails, Paolo Nutini, Pet Shop Boys, Rage Against The Machine, Steve Aoki, Teddy Swims and Weezer.

In 2005, Sommer was named to Billboard‘s 30 Under 30 list; 10 years later, he was included in the magazine’s 40 Under 40 list. He appeared on the Billboard Power 100 for 10 consecutive years, beginning in 2014. Sommer has also appeared on Billboard’s Touring Power Players list.

Sommer received Pollstar‘s Bobby Brooks Award/Agent of the Year in 2025 and was named to its Impact 50. He has also appeared on the Variety 500. He was inducted into the NYU Hall of Fame in 2024.

Beyond his professional achievements, Sommer and his wife, Chloe, are committed supporters of philanthropic organizations focused on mental health, children’s welfare and health.

“Kirk M. Sommer has not only shaped the careers of some of the world’s greatest musical voices but has also helped redefine what it means to be a leader in today’s ever-evolving music industry,” Sat Bisla, president & founder of A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO, said in a statement. “His deep respect for artists, his commitment to mentorship, as well as his strong global perspective and vision make him an exceptional choice for this honor.”

Past recipients of MUSEXPO’s International Music Person of the Year honor include Monte and Avery Lipman (Republic Records), Jacqueline Saturn (Virgin Music Group), Mandar Thakur (Times Music Group, India), Daniel Glass (Glassnote Entertainment), Alexandra Patsavas (Netflix), Steve Schnur (EA Games), and Harvey Goldsmith (Live Aid, Live Earth).

This is the 26th edition of MUSEXPO (www.musexpo.net), which brings together industry leaders from around the world to examine the future of music, media, and technology. Marquee events include the Global Synch & Brands Summit and the A&R Summit.