Arnie Herrmann Honored as Business Manager of the Year at Variety Breakfast

Actor JB Smoove and media analyst Evan Shapiro shared insights on creativity and the entertainment economy at Variety's annual Business Managers Breakfast in West Hollywood. City National Bank president and CEO Howard Hammond opened the event on Thursday, highlighting the bank's long ties to entertainment and sports clients. Candice Bergen then presented the Business Manager of the Year award to Citrin Cooperman's Arnie Herrmann, following video tributes from Liam Neeson and Martin Scorsese.

Discussions and Industry Insights

Speaking with Variety executive editor Michael Schneider, Smoove stressed the importance of taking control of one's career early and remaining adaptable. Smoove launched the creative ad agency The First Darrin in 2025 with United Entertainment Group CEO Jarrod Moses and also runs Alternate Side Productions. Addressing technological fears, he dismissed artificial intelligence concerns by saying people lack faith in the human mind if they worry about incoming tech. Meanwhile, media analyst Evan Shapiro spoke with Variety co-editor in chief Cynthia Littleton about what he terms the affinity economy. Shapiro stated that YouTube leads in total attention because content tends to be free, and he pointed to YouTuber Curry Barker's project 'Obsession' as a sign of changing fan engagement. Shapiro also noted that box office recovery is partly driven by ticket prices rising 128 percent this century rather than purely higher attendance.

Arnie Herrmann's Career

Accepting his award, Arnie Herrmann reflected on nearly 40 years as a business manager based in New York. He joined Citrin Cooperman in 2010 after learning early in his career to focus on playing the game rather than just keeping score. Herrmann thanked clients ranging from legendary entertainers to Michelin Award-winning chefs and read a heartfelt farewell message from a longtime client as he approaches retirement.

Context

Business managers handle financial planning, tax preparation, and investments for high-earning professionals in entertainment and sports. Events like Variety's Business Managers Breakfast bring together these financial experts with industry leaders to discuss economic trends affecting talent and production companies.