New leadership is on the runway in at IMG Models.
After Page Six broke the news that its longtime president Ivan Bart would step down earlier this week, the agency has named Jeni Rose and Kate Stirling as senior vice presidents and co-heads of fashion representation, “leading IMG Models and The Wall Group globally” according to WWD.
Ali Bird was also appointed senior vice president of global talent strategy and incubation for WME Fashion according to the trade.
Industry insiders were buzzing that Susan Plagemann, the Conde Nast vet who was named president of WME Fashion last year, would replace Bart.
But others told us she wouldn’t step into the role as she already oversees IMG Models from her WME Fashion perch.
There were also fashion world whispers that Brooke Wall — founder of the agency’s Wall Group, which reps makeup artists, stylists and hairstylists — was out, even though IMG acquired her company in 2015.
But we’re told she’s been “elevated to chairman,” where she, too, will consult for the company.
On Wednesday, Bart told us it was a mutual decision for him to exit as president and step into a role as senior advisor. An insider at the company later confirmed he would be “consulting and advising Susan and a team of others.”
Multiple sources, however, are skeptical that Bart will have a meaningful role, or position, at the company at all. “It’s all suspect. What is he advising?” one source huffed.
Another source said it’s “nonsense” that he is staying on as a consultant, while a former employee seemingly rejoiced by writing on an IG story: “ain’t God good!?”
Bart seemed stunned when we first reached out and had replied: “I have absolutely no comment,” before later adding, “I am stepping into a new role as a senior advisor.”
Meanwhile, we hear employees were just as stunned to learn that he would no longer be the company president.
IMG’s president of fashion and events Leslie Russo “mutually parted ways” with the company, days before Bart stepped down. She will not have an advisor role, we’re told.
