Matt Vioral, a 20-year veteran of The Gersh Agency talent department, has joined Brillstein Entertainment Partners in a transition to management, Deadline has learned. The move brings Vioral’s clients along with him, and both agencies are presenting it as a smooth transition rather than a defection.
The Move From Gersh
Vioral spent two decades at Gersh, joining the agency’s mailroom straight out of UCLA. He rose from executive assistant to agent in 2010 and later became a Senior Partner. Now he is making the jump to Brillstein, where he will operate in management rather than as an agent.
Who Is Coming With Him
The clients Vioral represents are following him to Brillstein. Jacob Elordi is among them, along with Drew Starkey and Ryan Eggold. Starkey had already been represented by Brillstein for more than two years.
More names are expected to follow as the transition unfolds.
What Brillstein Says
Brillstein’s Jon Liebman welcomed Vioral to the firm, citing his eye for talent and his instincts. “We’re excited with Matt’s decision to join Brillstein,” Liebman said. “His incredibly sharp eye for talent coupled with strong instincts and deep relationships are a dynamic combination for artist management. We look forward to supporting him as he continues to help develop clients and their creative vision.”
What Gersh Says
Gersh President Leslie Siebert offered warm words about Vioral’s departure. “We’re proud of the career he has built here and the contributions he has made to our clients and agency,” she said. “He leaves with our friendship and support. We look forward to working with Matt in his new role at Brillstein, and continuing to work together with Gersh clients.”
Vioral’s Own Words
Vioral framed the move as a natural next step. “Gersh has been my professional home for 20 years, and I’m grateful to Leslie, Bob, David and everyone at the agency for their support, collaboration and friendship,” he said. “I’m excited to begin this next chapter at Brillstein, while continuing to work closely with the colleagues at Gersh who have been such an important part of my career.”
The Industry Reaction
Two anonymous comments posted beneath the report capture the mood:
- “Congrats Matt! You are going to crush it”
- “Big loss for Gersh, excited to see Matt’s next steps he’s the best.”
What This Means For Talent
The arrangement is unusual. Rather than moving clients entirely to Brillstein, Vioral will continue to represent them alongside Gersh. How the two agencies will divide responsibilities is not detailed in the announcement.
Comparison Of The Two Agencies
| Agency | Role | Client Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Gersh | Talent agency | Existing representation |
| Brillstein | Management firm | New management role |
The move is being watched closely, and the clients are staying put.
Source material: “Matt Vioral Heads To Brillstein In Transition To Management After Two Decades At Gersh; Jacob Elordi Among Clients Joining Him,” Deadline.
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