City National Bank Spends Decades Supporting Managers at $12.5M Elite Event

City National Bank has served as the presenting sponsor for Variety's annual Business Managers Breakfast in Los Angeles for the third consecutive year, cementing a financial partnership that supports the entertainment industry's most critical advisors. The event will convene on November 12 to recognize the professionals who manage the careers of top talent. The bank's involvement is framed by a long-term history of service, with leadership noting that they have worked with leading business managers for decades.

The gathering will center on the recognition of Arnie Herrmann, who will receive the Variety Business Managers Elite Award. The honor acknowledges his exemplary career and his sustained contributions to the business management community. Herrmann has maintained a long-standing role on the board of MusiCares and currently supports philanthropic organizations such as the Irving Penn Foundation and the Jenna's Rainbow Foundation. Award-winning actress Candice Bergen will present the award to him during the program.

JB Smoove will deliver a keynote conversation at the event. The Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian, and producer is known for his work on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Saturday Night Live." Smoove will discuss his approach to modern storytelling across television, film, and branded entertainment. He founded Alternate Side Productions and First Darrin, a creative agency that develops campaigns and shorts for brands using a comedic perspective.

Evan Shapiro will engage in a discussion with Variety co-editor-in-chief Cynthia Littleton. Shapiro, a Webby Award-winning creator and Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer, will analyze the impact of the creator economy on the entertainment sector. As a media cartographer, he provides data-driven insights into how digital platforms are reshaping traditional media structures and audience engagement patterns.

JaHan Wang, head of Entertainment & Sports Banking at City National Bank, stated that the bank is honored to return as presenting sponsor to celebrate the people who help talent build lasting careers. "We've seen firsthand the difference a great advisor can make," Wang said. Dea Lawrence, co-president and publisher of Variety, described business managers as a vital part of the entertainment ecosystem and expressed the publication's pleasure in partnering again with City National Bank. She also congratulated Herrmann on receiving the Business Manager of the Year award.

The event will be supported by Citrin Cooperman, Content Partners, Venable LLP, and Willkie. The program brings together the individuals featured in Variety's Business Managers Elite issue to celebrate their professional accomplishments over the past year. The breakfast serves as a networking hub for the executives and managers who oversee the financial and legal aspects of entertainment careers.