Next Management

Next Management operates as a global fashion management agency, specializing in representing and developing a diverse roster of talent across fashion and entertainment. The company identifies and cultivates models, digital creators, and artists, connecting them with opportunities from international brands. Its operational model involves comprehensive talent management, covering various aspects of their careers and ensuring their placement in significant industry engagements worldwide.

The company was co-founded by Faith Kates and Joel Wilkenfeld, establishing its initial presence in New York in 1989. Their vision centered on creating a robust international platform for talent, expanding rapidly to key fashion and entertainment hubs including London, Paris, Milan, and Los Angeles. This early global expansion demonstrated an insight into the interconnected nature of the fashion industry and the necessity for a unified talent management approach.

Next Management serves both its represented talent and prominent international brands seeking industry professionals for campaigns and projects. The agency's strategic presence in major global markets allows for effective collaboration between talent and brands. Its ongoing mission is to continue shaping the landscape of fashion and entertainment by fostering talent and facilitating high-profile connections, aiming to remain a leading force in global talent representation.

High-Level Overview

Next Management is a global modeling and talent agency that connects top fashion and entertainment talent with international brands.[1][2] Founded in 1989 and headquartered in New York City, it operates offices in London, Paris, Milan, Los Angeles, Madrid, and Miami, representing both emerging faces and established models while generating approximately $19.4 million in revenue with around 500-950 employees.[1][2]

The agency serves fashion publications, brands, and entertainment sectors by scouting, developing, and placing talent for campaigns, runways, and media projects.[1][2] It solves the challenge of matching high-caliber models and talent with global opportunities, maintaining a reputation for discovering "the best new faces" and leveraging long-term relationships for sustained growth.[1]

Origin Story

Next Management was established in 1989 in New York by partners Faith Kates and Joel Wilkenfeld, who started small and expanded aggressively into major fashion hubs.[1] From its initial base, the agency quickly grew to include offices in London, Paris, Milan, Los Angeles, Madrid, and Miami, capitalizing on the rising demand for international modeling representation.[1][2]

Kates and Wilkenfeld's creative vision and industry relationships drove this evolution, transforming Next into a leading global player.[1] Key milestones include building a roster of globally recognized talent and sustaining operations through economic shifts in fashion and entertainment.[1][2]

Core Differentiators

• Global Reach and Network: Offices in six key cities enable seamless international placements, giving clients access to diverse, top-tier talent pools.[1][2]
• Talent Scouting Expertise: Renowned for identifying "the best new faces" alongside established models, fostering long-term careers through strong brand relationships.[1]
• Scale and Reputation: With 500-950 employees and $19.4 million revenue, it outperforms peers in model management, backed by 35+ years of aggressive growth.[1][2]
• Industry Positioning: Classified under entertainment providers (NAICS 711, SIC 792), it bridges fashion, advertising, and media with proven placement success.[1]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Next Management operates primarily in the analog fashion and entertainment sectors rather than core tech, but it intersects with digital trends through brand campaigns on social media, e-commerce, and virtual fashion events.[1][2] Its timing aligns with globalization in modeling, amplified by digital platforms that democratize talent discovery via Instagram and TikTok, reducing barriers for non-traditional faces.

Market forces like luxury brand digitization and influencer economies favor Next's established network, as agencies adapt to hybrid physical-digital runways.[1] It influences the ecosystem by setting standards for talent management, indirectly supporting tech-enabled fashion tools like AI scouting or virtual try-ons through represented models.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Next Management's influence will likely expand with AI-driven talent discovery and metaverse fashion, blending its traditional strengths with digital tools for virtual modeling and NFT endorsements. Rising demand for diverse, global talent amid e-commerce growth positions it for revenue acceleration beyond $19.4 million, potentially through tech partnerships.[1][2]

Sustainability trends and inclusive casting will shape its trajectory, evolving from a fashion staple to a hybrid agency in entertainment-tech crossovers—reinforcing its role as the go-to connector of elite talent to tomorrow's brands.[1]