THR's Power Business Managers 2012

Long considered among the very best Hollywood moneymen, Howard Altman is incredibly selective when choosing whether to take on a new client. Pretty much every A-lister he represents comes to him on referral, mostly from Hollywood’s top lawyers, who through the years have fed him a steady stream of big names including Naomi Watts, Jessica Alba, Ethan Hawke and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

He has managed his own firm since 1989, after working at the former accounting giant Arthur Andersen. Best known for understanding exactly how much gorgeous mansion his clients can afford, Altman offers a wide range of services that include making sure his clients are getting proper residuals and profit participation.