The People With Power at Endeavor

Ari Emanuel, one of the most high-profile Hollywood agents of the past 25 years, has long been the public face of Endeavor, the talent agency-turned-entertainment conglomerate. But as the company goes public, with a heavy debt load and operating losses, another figure will be in the spotlight: President Mark Shapiro.

Mr. Shapiro, a former CEO of both Six Flags Entertainment and Dick Clark Productions, was responsible for implementing Mr. Emanuel’s diversification strategy over the past five years that has expanded the company to more than 7,000 employees through almost 30 acquisitions, say people close to the company. Mr. Shapiro now oversees all the major businesses, including the talent agency WME and newer businesses like Ultimate Fighting Championship and IMG sports marketing and representation firm.