# Variety‘s Business Managers Elite Report: Top Guns Build Relationships and Expertise With a Personal Touch

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/varietys-business-managers-elite-report-top-guns-build-relationships-and-expertise-with-a-personal-touch/
- Published: 2026-11-11T18:15:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T20:08:56+00:00
- Original publisher: Variety
- Original article: https://variety.com/lists/varietys-business-managers-elite-report-2026/
- Topics: Film

## Key points

- Business managers increasingly advise clients before career and deal decisions.
- Global taxes, royalties and unpredictable work make planning more complex.
- Adeptus Advisors merged with Current in September 2025.

## Summary

Entertainment business managers have taken on a broader advisory role as clients face an unpredictable industry and increasingly complex income, contracts and tax arrangements. Rather than simply reporting earnings and bills after the fact, they increasingly forecast what tours, music catalogues and recording or publishing deals may bring in, helping clients make decisions before committing.

The article highlights Variety’s 2026 business management honorees and the range of work they do, from cross-border tax planning and royalty audits to tour finances and contract support. Abacus Financial’s Anakwenze says managers are getting involved earlier in negotiations and planning for uncertainty following COVID-19 and industry strikes. Adeptus Advisors merged with accounting network Current in September 2025 while retaining its existing firm identities.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.