Aviva Skall Takes Ownership Of MMG As CEO, Leads Major Expansion

MMG is now under the ownership of longtime industry executive Aviva Skall, who plans to grow the firm's creator management, brand partnership, PR and strategic communications work as the company nears its 25th anniversary next year.

After nearly two decades spent building MMG Model, Talent & Celebrity Management into one of the country's most recognized independent talent management companies, Skall has acquired the company along with its California affiliate, International Talent Agency (ITA). The transition arrives at a moment when independent talent firms are being pushed to adapt, as the boundaries between celebrity, creator and entrepreneur continue to blur across the industry.

A New Owner For A Relationship-Driven Firm

MMG was founded in 2002 by Jeff Cohen, who built the company's reputation on personalized, relationship-driven representation and who mentored Skall from the early days of her career. Following his passing, Skall has carried that legacy forward, growing MMG into a nationally recognized management company representing models, actors, creators, influencers, athletes, celebrities and public figures, with licensed operations across the South and Southeast and a growing network of relationships with brands, production companies, casting professionals, advertising agencies and entertainment partners.

“For nearly twenty years, MMG has been far more than the place I've built my career — it's the company Jeff Cohen and I built together — our staff, talent and clients are family,” said Aviva Skall, Owner, President and Chief Executive Officer of MMG and ITA. “It is an incredible privilege to carry forward everything Jeff created while investing in the future of our team, our clients, and the extraordinary talent who have trusted us with their careers throughout the years.”

Skall's recent honors include the 2024 Talent Manager of the Year award, presented by the International Presentation of Performers; recognition as one of the 2024 100 Women to KNOW in America, presented by JPMorgan Chase; and inclusion among the 2026 50 Women to Know in New York. As part of the acquisition, she also takes ownership of ITA, MMG's California-licensed talent agency — and, as a licensed Talent Agent in the State of California, plans to further develop it, expanding opportunities for clients throughout California and other key entertainment markets.

A Shifting Definition of Talent Representation

“The entertainment industry has evolved dramatically, and strong representation means management that is willing to evolve alongside it,” Skall said. “Today's talent need more than just someone to handle negotiations — they need strategic guidance, thoughtful career planning, meaningful brand partnerships, and a team that understands how every opportunity contributes to their long-term success.”

That philosophy is shaping MMG's next stage of growth. While model, talent and celebrity management remains the foundation of MMG's business, the company is deepening its celebrity and brand partnership relationships while expanding into several new growth areas and considering additional services for the future, including:

• Creator management
• Social media management
• Brand partnerships and endorsements
• Expanded commercial and voiceover bookings
• Live appearances and experiential marketing
• Public relations and strategic communications
• Digital media and emerging entertainment opportunities

The company is also investing in operational and technological improvements to support its broader growth strategy, and rolling out a refreshed brand identity and branded merch ahead of New York Fashion Week.

“Our biggest strength is treating our talent like partners, which means letting them retain authority over their careers while providing optimal guidance, and doing so while keeping their best interests at heart,” Skall said. “With that in mind, our goal is to build an institution that will thrive for generations — one grounded in strong leadership and shared purpose.”

Looking ahead, MMG plans to introduce Lioness Collective, a strategic advisory and brand consulting division designed to complement its core management business — offering branding, communications, business development and long-term growth strategy for talent, brands and entrepreneurs. MMG is proud to be a woman-owned-and-operated business.

Building Forward While Staying Rooted

Skall's vision reflects a broader shift underway in modern entertainment, where managing a career can mean navigating casting, social platforms, brand partnerships, licensing, communications and entrepreneurial opportunities all at once. Model, talent and celebrity management remains MMG's foundation — but as the industry evolves, the company is stepping further into managing this new generation of talent.

The Team Behind MMG's Next Chapter

Skall is quick to frame MMG's evolution as a team effort. Backing her vision is a leadership team with combined industry experience exceeding 100 years, spanning talent management, operations, creative direction, booking, negotiation, administration and client services: Talia Perregaux, Senior Director; Summer Hoffman, Director of Operations; Jordan Molloy, Creative Director; Alana Samuals, Director of Bookings; and Jolie Bergeron, Administrative Director. Most have spent over a decade at MMG, and are joined by a broader roster of dedicated professionals across the company's offices — including Morgan Peterson, Kristin McManus, Alexandra Miele, Lindsey Schroeder, Gina Monforte, Ilia Arcery and Grace Byrd — along with a national network of partners and scouts.

“Our greatest strength has always been our people,” Skall said. “We've built an exceptional team that shares a commitment to integrity, personalized representation, and long-term relationships. Our accomplishments are in large part due to each of these amazing team members.”

That culture, she says, matters just as much as the company's growth. “This next chapter isn't about changing who we are,” Skall said. “It's about building on the foundation Jeff gave us while continuing to evolve with our industry.”

As MMG approaches its 25th anniversary next year, the company remains focused on strengthening its position as one of the country's premier independent talent management companies while creating new opportunities for the clients, brands and partners it represents.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.