WME names Rob Markus head of international for contemporary music

Based in Beverly Hills, Markus will oversee global touring strategy and all international activity for the department.

Markus has been with WME for more than two decades and has played a key role in expanding the Lollapalooza festival brand into Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. 

His roster over the years has included artists such as Danny Ocean, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Flaming Lips and Will Smith. Before joining WME, he led EMI and Virgin Records in Hungary and launched EMI Music Publishing in Eastern Europe.

The promotion was announced by Lucy Dickins, WME’s global head of contemporary music and touring, and Kirk Sommer, the agency’s global co-head of contemporary music and touring. “Rob understands the international touring business and its increasing complexities and importance to an artist’s career better than anyone,” they said.

“Having lived and worked around the world, Rob possesses a deep knowledge of the nuances of the live music space in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and South America, as well as emerging tour markets like the Middle East, Africa, and India. This expansion of his role fortifies our global music presence and elevates the best-in-class services we offer our clients and partners.”

Markus commented: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead WME’s international music team and look forward to growing and guiding our global roster with the same team approach that has served me well throughout my career.”