- Jeff Kolodny has left Paradigm Talent Agency after 15 years as a talent agent to join Cognition as a Manager.
- Kolodny brings over 30 years of industry experience, previously spending 17 years at William Morris Agency where he rose to VP of the Talent Department before moving to Paradigm in 2011.
- He will work alongside Cognition founder Brian DePersia across film, television, theatre, and brand endorsements.
- Cognition's current roster includes two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali, Emmy winner Tobias Menzies, and Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee Caitríona Balfe.
Jeff Kolodny is making a major career pivot, trading his agent desk for the management world. The industry veteran has joined Cognition, the boutique talent management firm founded by Brian DePersia, stepping in as Manager.
Kolodny spent 15 years at Paradigm Talent Agency, where he built a strong reputation representing respected actors across film and television.
Before that, he logged 17 years at William Morris Agency, rising to VP of the Talent Department, where he first crossed paths with DePersia, who was then an assistant at the agency.
Cognition, which DePersia launched in 2022 after leaving WME where he was a partner, has steadily grown its A-list roster. Recent signings have included Jon Bernthal and Lee Pace, joining established clients Mahershala Ali, Caitríona Balfe, Tobias Menzies, Jodie Whittaker, and Jimmi Simpson.
This move mirrors recent talent industry reshuffles, similar to Kevin Spellman joining Borchetta Entertainment Group and Hannah Satzke landing at 3 Arts Entertainment, as experienced reps continue to seek boutique environments over larger agency structures.
Kolodny will work with DePersia and the broader Cognition team on film, TV, theatre, and brand partnerships.
Takeaways
This move is a textbook case of an industry vet betting on the boutique model. After three decades grinding through the agency world: first at William Morris, then Paradigm, Kolodny is choosing the more hands-on, client-focused world of management.
The fact that he’s joining a former mentee speaks volumes: this isn’t just a career shift, it’s a reunion built on trust. For Cognition, landing someone with Kolodny’s pedigree signals serious ambition to scale beyond a boutique and compete with management heavyweights.
Will Kolodny bring some of his longtime Paradigm clients with him to Cognition? How does adding a second seasoned manager like Kolodny change Cognition’s competitive positioning in Hollywood?
