Refinery29 Names New Head Of Talent To Integrate Digital, Traditional Stars Into Shows

Refinery29 has tapped industry veteran Joanna Bomberg as its new SVP and head of talent. In her new role, Bomberg will oversee Refinery’s talent division, which is dubbed Here & Now, as well as talent initiatives across the company’s video programming and live events divisions.

Bomberg counts 15 years of talent management experience — most recently as SVP of MTV’s music and talent department, where she managed the creative direction and production of the MTV Video Music Awards, the MTV Movie Awards, Unplugged, and more.

In her new role, Bomberg will be tasked with integrating both digital and traditional talent into Refinery’s short and long-form programming — as well as its branded shows. She will report to the publisher’s chief content officer, Amy Emmerich. The hire continues Refinery29’s push into the entertainment space, following a slate unveiled at the NewFronts in May featuring collaborations with Zosia Mamet, Rashida Jones

“From Willow Smith to Kesha to Gabourey Sidibe to Jenn Im (pictured above), we are forming meaningful partnerships with talent that aligns with Refinery29’s overall mission and drives inspiration and entertainment to our viewers,” said Refinery29 co-founder and co-CEO Justin Stefano. “Joanna’s experience and relationships will be a great asset as we continue to expand.”

Refinery29, which counts an audience of 550 million across all platforms, also recently announced a partnership with Williams Morris Endeavor (WME) to develop original long-form content and expand its Los Angeles presence. The company’s west coast offices currently count 40 employees, including SVP of global video strategy Stone Roberts and newly-tapped VP of west coast development Erica Winograd.