CAA Bolsters Speakers Business With UK Hire

CAA has added Rachel Baxter as an agent to its global speakers department.

Based in London, she will focus on building CAA Speakers’ footprint across the UK, Europe, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Baxter comes to the Hollywood entertainment and sports agency after seven years with the talent management agency YMU.

She also headed the corporate and live events department at M&C Saatchi Merlin, and before that produced events for the British Olympic Association, among others.  

“Rachel’s exceptional track record in securing high-profile speaking engagements and connecting talent with the right audiences makes her a great fit. Her expertise and deep relationships in the industry will be a tremendous asset to our clients as we continue to grow CAA Speakers’ efforts in the international marketplace,” Peter Jacobs, head of CAA Speakers said in a statement.  

The CAA Speakers department books business, keynote and motivational speakers from among notable celebrities like comic and TV host David Letterman and Trevor Noah; actors Nicole Kidman and Kerry Washington; former Facebook exec Randi Zuckerberg; Ted Lasso actor Hannah Waddingham; human rights lawyer Amal Clooney; TV host James Corden; actor and director Stanley Tucci; Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker; and former pro tennis player Andre Agassi.

Other speakers include former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern; sports commentator and podcast business operator Gary Neville; football manager José Mourinho; music legend Nile Rodgers; and former Burberry CEO and Apple exec Angela Ahrendts.

The major talent agency draws its speakers from a roster that includes top actors, directors, writers, producers, musical artists, comedians, authors, athletes and coaches, broadcasters, chefs and fashion designers.