The Progress 1000: London's most influential people 2019 – Media: Agents

Chairman and founder of InterTalent Rights Group
Shalit is a leader and innovator in the entertainment business. This year he launched a new division to represent variety performance stars and rebranded his business InterTalent Rights Group. Always on top of his game wearing red socks, a black waistcoat and a black and white tie. “Simon Cowell always says there are three Jonathan Shalits because he sees me everywhere,” says Shalit.

Managing director of John Noel Management
Noel is the management behind the talent and the madness that is Russell Brand, Richard Griffiths, the Spice Girls’ return this year, Katherine Jenkins and others.

Founder and MD of Avalon Entertainment
He produced musicals in his hometown while he was at university, while also taking a further degree in genetics. He realised he wasn’t good enough to become a research scientist, so turned to his true talent. Thoday has discovered everyone from Frank Skinner and Harry Hill to the always-in-demand Fiona Bruce, installed this year in the chair at Question Time.

Co-founder of Modest Management
Represents Little Mix, Olly Murs, the Spice Girls, 5SOS and now, going in his own direction, Niall Horan. Magee will be honoured at the 2019 Music Industry Trusts Award Gala for his contributions and leadership in the industry.

CEO of YM&U Group
Rodford is CEO of one of the leading management companies for sport, music and entertainment. YM&U are the brains behind Ant & Dec, Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, keeping London TV studios buzzing with talent.

Co-founder of PBJ management
Chignell studied biology at London University then realised the sciences were not for her. Her career began as an assistant to theatrical impresario Andre Ptaszynski. Better known as “Chiggy”, she is now arguably one of the most powerful female agents in the entertainment world — Noel Fielding, Nish Kumar and James Acaster are among her comedy character clients.

Managing director of Can Associates
Powell began her business ventures at a very young age, starting out with a catering business. After finding success there, Powell moved on to handle PR for Take That and was behind their major success. Now she is the powerbroker of the reality TV world and has repped Katie Price, Peter Andre and Ursula Andress, while seeing her corner of the market thrive.

Founder of Chambers Management
Over the past 19 years, Chambers has been at the forefront of comedy management. She discovers breaking talent both in stand-up and the burgeoning YouTube field, representing stars like Jimmy Carr and Sarah Millican.

Founding agent of United Agents
Previously a psychologist and social worker, Kirby has now been leading United Agents since 2007 and has since been awarded the Bookseller Industry Award for Literary Agent of the Year and promoted to be head of the literary department at United Agents. As a top literary agent and manager, he’s made his name as a leading light in commercial fiction and non-fiction, being behind the literary endeavours of the likes of Rob Brydon. Also keen to promote “big idea” books in business, psychology and health.

CEO and founder of Gleam Futures
Smales has a true talent for spotting an extraordinary new wave of talent, and has signed them all up to London’s first influencer agency. He handles big-name “social creators” in media such as Zoe Sugg (Zoella), Jim Chapman, Marcus Butler and Tanya Burr — they are all part of Team Gleam.

The Progress 1000, in partnership with the global bank Citi, is the Evening Standard’s celebration of the people changing London’s future for the better. #Progress1000