As partner and U.K. head at global talent, entertainment, sports and advisory company United Talent Agency (UTA), Darnell Strom has an ever-expanding remit. The executive, who has experience in politics, including past work with Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and represents such clients as Malala Yousafzai and Michaela Coel, has overseen UTA’s growth in London and beyond, including in the sports, comedy and creators spaces.
But at SXSW London this week, he showed his foodie side, moderating a panel with chefs and restaurateurs entitled “Talking Taste” that explores how the conversation around hospitality and food is evolving. Sharing their insights on stage were Jeremy King of Jeremy King Restaurants, Tommi Miers, the 2005 winner of MasterChef and founder of Wahaca, and Oisín Rogers, the co-founder of The Devonshire in London.
In between his busy schedule, Strom told THR about how food culture fits into the broader cultural, media and branding space.Can you tell us how the idea for this panel came together and how it fits into the broader SXSW London spirit?
I moved here to London a year ago from L.A., and one of the best ways to understand the spirit of a city is through food, through restaurants and through culture. Restaurants have always been at the center of culture. I have also always had a fascination with the hospitality business, being an agent and being in the representation business.
