Biographie
Jeff Kwatinetz is Founder and CEO of The Firm. Re-launched in 2015, The Firm produces film and television content across several networks and studios and also has robust operations in music and sports.
Kwatinetz also manages Cube Vision, the highly successful production company formed by Ice Cube, which produced the summer blockbuster Straight Outtta Compton, grossing more than $200 million worldwide. As part of their nearly two decade long partnership, Cube Vision and Kwatinetz are also involved in the upcoming film Rocky Mountain High set at Universal as well as many other projects in development. The Firm's Film Division is producing such highly-anticipated projects as Tribes of Palos Verdes starring Jennifer Garner and The Paladin.
On the television side, the company has projects in development at nearly every major broadcast network, including Netflix, and has the series Royal Pains and Salem currently on the air. Kwatinetz also produced the long running television series, Wilfred. The company's record label achieved its first #1 album and fifth top five debut with Got Your Six, the latest release from Five Finger Death Punch.
From 1997-2008, Kwatinetz founded and led the previous iteration of The Firm which he launched out of his Malibu apartment. The company grew to become the world's dominant music, film and television management company with more than 30 multi-platinum, platinum and gold artists and a diverse roster of clients across the industry. Kwatinetz developed innovative campaigns to transform artists such as Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson, Korn and Jennifer Lopez into global brands. The Firm later entered into film and television management, representing such artists as Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Vin Diesel, Rachel McAdams and Cameron Diaz. Films in which the company's clients appeared grossed more than $20 billion at the worldwide box office, earning 30 Academy Award nominations and winning seven.
In addition, Kwatinetz was the architect of the 2004 purchase of Warner Music from Time Warner by a private equity consortium led by Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital. The deal resulted in more than a $1 billion profit for investors. Leveraging his M&A work, he also helped launch VMG Partners, a $325 million private equity fund focused on consumer brands and acquired the majority stake and successfully re-launched Pony, turning around the iconic footwear and apparel lifestyle brand.
Kwatinetz earned his J.D. with honors at Harvard Law School and holds both a M.A. and B.S. at Northwestern University where he is a guest faculty member and frequent lecturer.
