Major Shakeup at Wilhelmina Modeling Agency

Wilhelmina, a historic agency established in 1967, is currently experiencing significant upheaval, with top-level staff departures and ongoing internal strife. According to industry insiders, the agency has undergone a “bloodbath,” with many senior agents leaving amidst leadership changes under Director Cory Bautista and CFO/COO Gaurav Pahwa.

Recently, prominent executives Matt Trust and Gene Kogan parted ways with Wilhelmina after being hired pre-pandemic to revitalize the men’s division. Their exit signifies a setback, leaving the agency’s men’s team severely depleted, the source described it as returning to “square one.”

Interestingly, Trust and Kogan have transitioned to NY Model Management, along with former Wilhelmina agent Jessica Rosenberg. Meanwhile, several of Wilhelmina’s models, including three major male clients, are actively seeking to terminate their contracts, citing a loss of trust and feeling unprotected by the agency’s management.

When approached for comments, a company representative stated that Trust and Kogan’s departure was due to their not being the right fit for Wilhelmina. Despite the turmoil, the agency emphasized its commitment to maintaining professionalism and fostering growth across all divisions, aiming for continued success for talent and partners.

Wilhelmina’s past struggles mirror these current events; back in 2019, similar turnover occurred with staff walkouts, likened to a “Game of Thrones” episode by insiders. The ongoing situation suggests that a significant portion of the staff, especially in the men’s division, may be resigning, potentially impacting other parts of the agency.

The agency’s celebrity roster has historically included stars like Nicki Minaj, Billie Eilish, Machine Gun Kelly, and Demi Lovato. Despite recent challenges, Wilhelmina remains a notable player in the industry, with offices in New York City, London, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Sources indicate the internal turmoil is likely to ripple through the agency’s other divisions, reflecting a critical juncture in Wilhelmina’s long history within the modeling and entertainment industry.