Even the mighty CAA needed some reinforcements to stay competitive in the global entertainment landscape. That was the perspective shared on Tuesday morning by Bryan Lourd, the agency’s managing director and co-chairman, during his keynote address at Variety’s annual Dealmakers event in Beverly Hills.

Lourd spoke in detail about CAA’s recent acquisition of ICM Partners during the conversation with Claudia Eller, Variety‘s chief production officer. Over the nearly hourlong interview, Lourd touched on issues ranging from the state of play for talent at Hollywood’s major studios networks, the return of Bob Iger to Disney, the...