Kirk M. Sommer is an American entertainment industry executive and talent agent. Based in New York and Los Angeles, he is senior partner and global head of music at WME.
Early life and education Sommer was born in New York. A music fan, he played several instruments growing up. In high school he played football, basketball, and soccer. He was the captain of several competitive soccer teams, and represented the United States at an international tournament in 1993.Newall, Kevin (October 16, 1993),The Record
Sommer attended New York University. He created, booked and promoted concerts and events during the four years he was an NYU student. He also interned for promoter Ron Delsener. Career Sommer moved to Los Angeles following his graduation, and in 2000 was hired as an agent trainee at William Morris Agency. He started in the mailroom.
Sommer's early signings included The Killers (in 2003), Amy Winehouse (in 2006), and Adele (in 2007). DEALMAKERS. (2022, Dec 28). Variety, p. 94-108.Govan, Chloe (2013), Amy Winehouse The Untold Story, Thistle Publishing, 2013, ISBN 9781909609518 Following William Morris's merger with Endeavor Talent Agency in 2009, he was promoted to partner. In 2013, he signed Sam Smith, Arctic Monkeys, and Hozier.
Sommer was named global co-head of music in 2015 and senior partner and global head of music in 2026. In addition to the Killers, Adele, Arctic Monkeys, Smith, and Hozier, Sommer represented artists including Steve Aoki, Andrea Bocelli, Benson Boone, Lewis Capaldi, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, Carín León,Morrissey, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against the Machine, Rihanna, Sienna Spiro, Teddy Swims, Weezer, and Lola Young.
WME booked an estimated 40,000 shows globally in 2023. As of 2026, there were approximately 300 agents across six global offices in WME's music division.
Personal life Sommer and his wife, Chloe—a jewelry designer and former journalist—were married in 2006. They have two daughters.
He is a mentor for agents and others early in their music industry careers. He and his family support several children's charities and non-profit organizations including Support and Feed, ABF, the Tegan and Sara Foundation, and Sam Smith's The Pink House.
Recognition +YearAwardByRef200530 Under 30Billboard2014-2026Power 100 ("Touring Power Players" in 2025)Billboard201540 Under 40Billboard2021-2024Variety 500Variety2022-2026Impact 50Pollstar.2024New York University Hall of FameNYU 2025Bobby Brooks Award/Agent of the YearPollstar2026MUSEXPO International Music Person of the YearMUSEXPO References