Kirk Sommer, senior partner and global co-head of music at WME, will receive the “International Music Person of the Year” award at next year’s MUSEXPO conference in Burbank, California.
The 26th edition of MUSEXPO, which will be held from March 22 to March 25, 2026, will recognize Sommer during a VIP Awards Gala Luncheon on March 24 at the Castaway venue in Burbank.
Officials from the State of California, the County of Los Angeles and the City of Burbank will also present official proclamations to recognize Kirk’s “impact on music, culture, and the business of artistry.”
The WME veteran’s career started in the company’s mailroom in 2000.
The announcement about his upcoming honor notes that throughout his nearly 25-year career at WME, Sommer has “guided the careers of some of the most iconic artists of our time” from Adele and The Killers, to Artic Monkeys, Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Brandon Flowers, Foster The People, Hozier, The Killers, Lewis Capaldi, Lola Young, Morrissey, Nine Inch Nails, Pet Shop Boys, Rage Against The Machine, Sam Smith, Steve Aoki, Teddy Swims and Weezer, among many others. He also worked with the late Amy Winehouse.
“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, MUSEXPO
Sat Bisla, President & Founder of A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO, said: “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.
“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. It’s our privilege to recognize his outstanding contributions to the worldwide music ecosystem.”
This year, Pollstar named Sommer “Agent of the Year,” while Billboard has featured him on its Power List for a decade. Paper Magazine called him “the most influential booking agent in the world,” while he has appeared on Billboard’s “30 Under 30” and “40 Under 40” lists earlier in his career. Variety has also included him in its Top 500 list of the world’s most influential leaders.
Sommer joins MUSEXPO’s past “International Music Person of the Year” awardees including 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).
MUSEXPO’s March 2026 event will include a keynote conversation with Sommer, offering insights into his career progression, as well as the Global Synch & Brands Summit, the A&R Summit, and other marquee events.
Speakers for next year’s event include FOX Sports Music Manager Alexandria Schammel, FENIX360 Chairman and CEO Allan Klepfisz, Format Entertainment’s Head of Publishing Amanda Grocky, and FOX Sports Sr. Coordinator, Music Clearance & Licensing Bekki Newton, among others.
Music Business Worldwide
