May 17 marked a major milestone for founder and CEO Ebonie Ward. The grand opening of 11th & Co.’s new headquarters, 550 RMG, in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward brought out some of the city’s most influential figures in entertainment, media, and tech for a celebration of a new creative hub for black entrepreneurs.
Blending management, branding, and creative direction into a new approach to representation, Ebonie Ward became a powerhouse music executive while creating a women-led, full-service management firm behind the careers of some of the biggest names in music and sports like Future, Gunna, Flo Milli, and now, NBA superstar James Harden.
And her influence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Ward earned the title of Variety’s 2023 Hitmakers Manager of the Year, was a 2024 Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B Power Players honoree, and a 2023 Billboard Women in Music honoree.
She’s spent years driving the culture, and now she’s front and center, building an innovative space for the next generation of Black creatives and entrepreneurs. Her firm now houses multiple ventures under one roof. From nonprofit initiative A Seat At The Table and creative agency Six Degrees to full-service production company Genius Club and distribution company Nine Distribution (set to launch in September 2025), 550 RMG brings each business to the center to thrive. The all-Black women executive team is made up of Chief Financial Officer Alexandria Kindle, Chief Marketing Officer Jenna Magee-Tyson, Chief Legal Advisor Zita Brack and Executive VP of Tour Marketing Krishna Lee.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony kickstarted the opening, with Ward expressing gratitude and excitement for what’s to come. “This is a new chapter and a new beginning for us,” she said. “Because with us, it never stops.”
Guests were excited to be treated to an immersive experience reflective of Ward’s new chapter. From the moment you walk into the impressive 10,000-square-foot space, it’s clear that it’s designed with purpose, thanks to acclaimed interior designer Annysa LaMantia. There’s artwork everywhere, including Gunna’s A Gift & a Curse album artwork courtesy of Atlanta-based artist Paper Frank. Framed photographs capturing nostalgic moments decorated the walls throughout every room, making the open space feel almost like a gallery and sanctuary all in one.
The building includes a private recording studio, a wardrobe showroom, conference rooms with whiteboards, an open kitchen, and even cubicles. Yes, cubicles— a detail Ward defended with intention. “People forget the value of privacy, of having a space that feels like your own,” she explained.
It’s a testament to not only 11th & Co.’s growth but also Ward’s vision to build and nurture an ecosystem that allows for collaboration and innovation to flow freely. I wanted it to be an incubator for all of the resources and tools I supply for my clients and future clients,” Ward said.
Behind the building was a paved, outdoor oasis where guests could enjoy music, cocktails, food catered by Bowls, Wings, & Things Food Truck, and classic board games.
To hear more about Ebonie Ward’s journey with 11th & Co. and the value women bring to leadership, particularly when managing male talent, watch the full interview here.