Windish Adds Agents, Names Michael Dates As COO

CHICAGO (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The Windish Agency has announced a number of new additions to their team, including the appointment of industry veteran Michael Dates to the position of chief operating officer at the agency.

After spending 13 years and serving as partner specializing in technology and media at accounting giant Deloitte, Dates spent a tenure at the William Morris Agency, where he became CFO with broad operational responsibilities for their six offices.

Dates was at WMA for more than 12 years, working closely with all departments and playing a major role in the in the William Morris/Endeavor merger.

"The Windish Agency is at the forefront of innovation and creativity in artist representation and I am delighted to be part of this passionate and dedicated team,” said Dates.

Also joining Team Windish is veteran agent Alex Rabens, formerly of Columbia Artists Music where he worked on tours for pianist Lang Lang, Jon Batiste and others, produced performances with the Chicago Symphony, Rotterdam Philharmonic, and National Arts Centre Orchestra, and partnered with premier venues including Radio City Music Hall, Sydney Opera House, and Royal Albert Hall.

Also new to the New York Windish office is Ryan Smith, who will continue to focus on DJ clients and electronic music. Smith got his start in the industry by promoting gay-themed underground disco, house and techno events. In 2010, Smith signed on with Bond Music Group, where he signed a number of well-known DJs just as the dance music resurgence started to hit the mainstream.

Joining The Windish Agency at their midwest headquarters as an agent is Chris Baronner. Baronner formerly served as the senior talent buyer at Metro, the nationally renowned Chicago venue. He also performed as the resident DJ of Life During Wartime, a dance party he co-founded that fused indie rock and dance music that featured up-and-coming DJs and live acts together.

And not to be left out, the Los Angeles Windish office has added agent Christine Cao, formerly a veteran agent assistant at CAA. Prior to her tenure at CAA, Cao worked as a marketing assistant at AEG Live's Denver office. – Staff Writers