Director's Corner
Our esteemed team of directors at IMG Models Academy brings together a wealth of experience and expertise in the modeling industry.
Led by seasoned professionals, our collective vision for excellence and innovation drives our commitment to shaping the future of modeling.
Explore our team's profiles below to discover the individuals behind our mission.
Emily Larson
Director of Talent Acquisition and Development (DTAD)
Emily Larson, as a former model and the youngest senior manager at IMG Models Academy, spearheads talent acquisition and development initiatives with unparalleled insight and dedication.
Her role as DTAD ensures that the academy continues to scout and cultivate the brightest new faces in the industry.
Patrick Whitesell
Co-Founder and Chief Strategist
Patrick Whitesell, an esteemed American businessman renowned for his founding role in Endeavor, assumes the critical position of Co-Founder and Chief Strategist at IMG Models Academy.
With a wealth of experience in the entertainment and media industry, Patrick plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the academy, leveraging his visionary leadership to drive innovation and excellence in modeling education.
Emma Quelch
Director of Talent Integration
Emma Quelch serves as the Senior Director of Talent Integration at IMG Models Academy.
Leveraging her extensive experience as the Managing Director at IMG Models, Emma plays a pivotal role in aligning talent integration strategies between the academy and IMG Models. She spearheads initiatives aimed at seamlessly integrating aspiring models into the IMG Models ecosystem, ensuring a smooth transition from training to representation. Emma's leadership fosters collaboration and synergy, maximizing opportunities for emerging talent within the IMG network.
Grace Bennett
Director of Education
Drawing from her extensive background in talent development within the IMG Models organization, Grace Bennett assumes the pivotal role of Director of Education at IMG Models Academy.
With a keen eye for identifying potential and a commitment to nurturing talent, Grace oversees the strategic direction of the academy's educational programs. Her role encompasses curriculum design, faculty management, and student engagement initiatives. By fostering an environment of excellence and innovation, Grace ensures that aspiring models receive top-tier training and mentorship to thrive in the competitive world of modeling.
Ariel Zev Emanuel
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Ariel Zev Emanuel, an esteemed American businessman, assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at IMG Models Academy.
With a distinguished career in the entertainment and media industry, Ariel brings invaluable expertise and strategic insight to his position.
As the former founding partner of the Endeavor Talent Agency and instrumental figure in its merger with the William Morris Agency, Ariel possesses a keen understanding of the dynamics of talent management and business operations. In his capacity as COO, Ariel oversees the day-to-day operations of IMG Models Academy, ensuring efficiency, innovation, and the highest standards of excellence.
With his visionary leadership, Ariel drives forward the academy's mission to empower aspiring models and shape the future of the industry.
Layla Nassar
Director of Fashion and Events
Layla Nassar, our Director of Fashion and Events, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to IMG Models Academy.
With a background in fashion and event management, Layla oversees the planning and execution of our runway shows, ensuring each event is a memorable experience. She also leads our design programs, nurturing budding designers to reach their full potential. Collaborating closely with HR and PR teams, Layla ensures smooth operations and effective promotion of our academy's events.
Under her guidance, IMG Models Academy continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and innovation.