William Morris Endeavor has tapped former OMGPOP CEO and Zynga General Manager Daniel Porter to head the agency’s digital department.
In his new job, Porter will oversee the company’s online and mobile initiatives and help identify digital opportunities for clients.
In Porter, WME has found a veteran executive with strong Silicon Valley ties and an extensive resume in gaming. His appointment comes as WME and other talent agencies are increasingly focused on building digital opportunities for actors, directors and other clients who frequently have more experience in traditional media.
At video game company OMGPOP, Porter helped launch Draw Something, which WME said became the third most downloaded game ever. He then helped arrange for OMGPOP’s sale to Zynga, where helped create three popular apps for the company.
In addition to stints at OMGPOP and Zynga, Porter served as senior vice president of corporate development for Richard Branson‘s Virgin Group and was president of Teach For America. He also helped develop online ticketing company TicketWeb, which was sold to Ticketmaster.
Porter will be based in WME’s New York office.