The Independent Artist Group (IAG) has solidified its structure with the appointment of Jarred Afra as executive vp and head of global music. IAG is a newly-formed agency that resulted from the union between Hollywood agency APA and AGI, one of the largest touring agencies in the music industry.
Afra brings a wealth of experience to IAG, having previously served as COO of AGI, where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency. He is also the son of Dennis Arfa, the founder and CEO of AGI, who now serves as the chairman of IAG’s music division.
This announcement marks the first public statement made by Jim Osborne, the newly-appointed CEO of IAG. Afra will oversee the combined music departments from AGI and APA, reporting directly to Osborne. Osborne expressed his confidence in Afra’s leadership abilities, stating, “Jarred has been instrumental in getting this partnership to the finish line. We have tremendous confidence in him to not only lead the day-to-day operations of our music department, but to help us grow it from here.”
Ron Burkle, the mogul who acquired AGI in 2012 and has been financing APA since 2020, also praised Afra’s contributions. He said, “We have relied on Jarred on so many levels over the years to not only oversee the operations of AGI but to also assist us in furthering our investments in the music business.”
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Afra’s responsibilities at AGI included business development, legal and financial oversight, corporate reporting, and managing artist tour contracts, VIP ticketing, and sponsorship and brand partnerships. He will continue to carry out these responsibilities at IAG, benefiting from the resources and infrastructure of full-service agency APA. APA’s services extend beyond music and comedy touring to include legal, tour marketing, branding, and sponsorship departments.
In addition to his executive role, Afra will maintain a close working relationship with Billy Joel’s team. He will assist with Joel’s residency at Madison Square Garden and other tour dates, as well as collaborate with other artists on various projects.
Afra expressed his excitement about working with APA’s talented team of agents, particularly in the urban genre, as they come together as one cohesive unit. He looks forward to continuing to provide crossover opportunities for artists, which he believes Osborne and his team have excelled at. Afra stated, “Our plan is to grow the department with a quality over quantity ethos.”
The appointment of Jarred Afra as executive vp and head of global music is a significant development for IAG. Under his leadership, the agency will leverage the strengths of both AGI and APA to further its growth in the music industry. With a focus on quality and collaboration, IAG is poised to become a powerhouse in the entertainment world.
