UK-Based CODA Agency Formally Becomes Paradigm

Paradigm London’s James Whitting, Dave Hallybone, Alex Hardee and Tom Schroeder; Paradigm Chairman and CEO Sam Gores, Head of Global Music Marty Diamond, and President Greg Bestick

The London-based CODA Agency announced today they will merge into Paradigm following a successful five-year partnership. The CODA Agency will officially take Paradigm’s name as the two companies fully integrate to focus on artist development and long-term career building, and to further amplify a shared philosophy of putting artists and the art they create at the center of their business.

CODA partners Alex Hardee, Tom Schroeder, James Whitting and Dave Hallybone will continue to lead the London office, now under the Paradigm banner, with an emphasis on core values: intelligent and attentive client service, artist-centric and globally-focused representation, nimble response to an evolving industry, work/life balance and gender equality.

Paradigm first acquired a stake in CODA in early 2014, when the companies joined forces to pool their expertise and resources on a worldwide basis. The partnership flourished as both agencies grew, with CODA building world-class corporate events and brand partnership teams and also establishing the sports agency CODA Independent Sports last year.

“CODA and Paradigm have had tremendous success throughout our five-year partnership, creating opportunities and building enduring careers for a roster of exceptional talent,” said Sam Gores, Paradigm Chairman and CEO. “We look forward to the next chapter as one global company, driven by agents who share an unwavering focus on the artists we represent and the art they create.”

“The success of Paradigm’s partnership with CODA has shown there are no longer borders in the global music industry — or within our two companies,” said Marty Diamond, Paradigm’s Head of Global Music. “Now as one company, we will continue to leverage our integrated approach in everything we do.”

“We have achieved the impossible: we found some Americans that we actually get along with,” joked CODA partner Alex Hardee. Fellow partner Tom Schroeder added, “We are A&R leaders, building creative plans for our clients in an industry that is in a constant state of change. Merging with Paradigm enables us to evolve and challenge a very dynamic marketplace. With this larger Paradigm platform, we can span the globe without losing our personality, ambition, individualism and innovative approach.”

Paradigm’s roster of globally-represented music artists includes Halsey, Imagine Dragons, Janet Jackson, Billie Eilish, Kacey Musgraves, Tiësto, Liam Gallagher, Missy Elliott, Shawn Mendes, Sia, Normani, Zedd, Kenny Chesney, Jess Glynne, Above & Beyond, Machine Gun Kelly, Disclosure, Bob Weir, Years & Years, Charli XCX, Estate of Johnny Cash, Bastille, Louis Tomlinson, Alan Walker, Sturgill Simpson, Buddy Guy, Old Dominion, and Hayley Kiyoko. With CODA’s roster merging into Paradigm’s, the agency now also handles international representation outside North America for Bon Iver, Ellie Goulding, FKA twigs, Lewis Capaldi, Liam Payne, Mark Ronson, Pusha T, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, Rita Ora, Robyn and Take That. Prior to becoming one agency, Paradigm and CODA shared more than 500 clients.