Elite World Group
- Founded
- 1972-01-01 in Paris, France
- Headquarters
- New York, NY, USA
- Phone
- +63 (2) 586-5306
Elite World Group (EWG) is a privately held network that fuses elite talent representation with data-driven media and advertising, positioning itself as the world's first Talent Media company. Originating from Elite Model Management founded in Paris in 1972 by John Casablancas and Alain Kittler, EWG has grown into a global enterprise managing over 5,000 personalities—models, actors, athletes, musicians, virtual avatars, and other creatives—whose collective social reach approaches two billion users. Headquartered in New York City, the group operates through a portfolio of premier agencies including Elite Model World, The Society Management, Women Management, Supreme Management, and Women 360 Management. EWG distinguishes itself by integrating traditional scouting and career development with in-house digital marketing, content production, and immersive technology such as VR and AR to transform talent into internationally recognized brands. In 2024, the company generated $235 million in revenue and has recently expanded into brand licensing, launching apparel with Freddy, as well as eyewear, fragrance, and tech devices. Under the ownership of Silvio Scaglia and led by CEO Paolo Barbieri, Elite World Group continues to bridge fashion, entertainment, and technology.
Detailed Review
History & Founding
Elite World Group traces its roots to 1972 when John Casablancas and Alain Kittler opened Elite Model Management in Paris. The agency quickly became known for discovering and nurturing top supermodels. After several ownership changes, entrepreneur Silvio Scaglia acquired control of the group and consolidated its operations under Elite World Group (EWG), a management company headquartered in New York. The original Elite Model Management remains a subsidiary of Elite World S.A., which itself is part of EWG.
Business Model & Services
EWG describes itself as “the world’s first Talent Media company.” Beyond traditional modeling agency functions, the company offers talent management representing models, actors, athletes, musicians, and digital avatars across 48 global agencies. It provides media and advertising solutions through data-driven, aggregate talent media programs that connect brands with culturally influential personalities. EWG also produces digital and immersive campaigns in-house, including VR/AR experiences, social content, virtual stores, and interactive projects. A growing licensing and brand partnerships division, led by Director of Licensing Flavio Facincani, has launched branded products such as apparel with Freddy, eyewear with Fluxus, fragrances, beauty, and tech gadgets.
Key Brands & Platforms
EWG's portfolio includes several premier agencies: Elite Model World is the flagship modeling agency and organizer of the Elite Model Look competition; The Society Management represents high-fashion models in New York; Women Management focuses on female talent across fashion and entertainment; Supreme Management is a global talent agency; and Women 360 Management specializes in curvy and diverse models. The annual Elite Model Look competition scouts new faces internationally. The licensing division has also produced branded collections in apparel, eyewear, and other categories.
Leadership & Key Personnel
The company is owned by Silvio Scaglia, who controls Elite World S.A. The CEO is Paolo Barbieri, previously Deputy CEO and former CFO of mondoBIOTECH Holding AG, appointed after Julia Haart’s tenure ended in 2022. The CFO is Thibaut Ribes, as listed on the company’s LinkedIn profile. Other C-level roles such as CCO, CTO, or COO were not explicitly confirmed in available sources. The founding history traces back to John Casablancas and Alain Kittler.
Financial & Operational Highlights
EWG reported 2024 revenue of $235 million and EBITDA of $13.4 million, a 12% increase over 2023. The company employs approximately 500 people according to LinkedIn. It is headquartered in New York, NY, with its founding entity in Paris since 1972. Recent developments in 2025 include aggressive expansion into licensing, with first apparel collection with Freddy launched in April 2025 and eyewear debuting in November 2025 through Italian optical chain GreenVision. CEO Barbieri forecasts moderate growth for 2025.
Key Products
Elite Model World
Flagship modeling agency and organizer of the Elite Model Look competition.
The Society Management
New York-based agency representing high-fashion models.
Women Management
Agency focused on female talent across fashion and entertainment.
Supreme Management
Global talent agency.
Women 360 Management
Agency specializing in curvy and diverse models.
EWG Management
Internal management arm of Elite World Group.
Elite Model Look
Annual international modeling competition that scouts new faces.
Offices & Headcount
500 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
- Paolo Barbieri
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Silvio Scaglia
Owner / Principal Shareholder