Digital Brand Architects (DBA), the UTA-owned digital talent management agency focused on lifestyle influencers, has hired Ernest James as its SVP of special projects.
James, the founder of Noire Management — a multicultural talent, marketing, and communications agency — will work with brands and DBA’s talent roster to identify new growth opportunities, curate culturally relevant programming, and expand inclusive content creation.
DBA is not absorbing Noire itself, and the agency will continue to operate under the leadership that James has put in place. Prior to Noire, James worked in marketing and PR for myriad fashion brands, including Spanx, Mission activewear, G-Star, Abercrombie & Fitch, and The Limited.
“We’re thrilled to welcome EJ to DBA,” CEO Raina Penchansky said in a statement. “He brings a wealth of knowledge to this space and extensive experience in developing talent and brands while bringing culture and inclusion to the forefront of their narratives.”
Last year, DBA partnered with Noire to launch an eight-week mentorship program that paired Black creators with DBA execs and brand partners, who shared insights on growing an online business, cultivating a brand, and preparing for management.
All told, DBA reps 190 creators with roughly 400 million followers, including Patrick Starrr, Chriselle Lim, Antonio Garza, and Natalie Noel.
