USA/England: Storyland Studios Opens First European Office in London & Names Ben Thompson New Chief Strategy Officer
(v.l.): Ben Thompson, Chief Strategy Officer & Head of International, & Josh Steadman, Art Director, Storyland Studios
California-based Storyland Studios creative design company has just opened a new office in London, England and thus its first branch in Europe. Former Disney employee Ben Thompson was named new Chief Strategy Officer and Head of International to lead the new Storyland office. He looks back on 20 years of professional experience in the fields of corporate brands, marketing and sales. After his appointment at Mars Incorporated, the American global manufacturer of confectionary, he entered the Walt Disney Company, for which he served as Regional Marketing Director UK & EMEA. After that, he moved to Merlin Entertainments and worked on the development and opening of new LEGOLAND parks, including the sites in Shanghai, Melbourne, Nagoya and Istanbul. Eventually, he founded his own marketing agency and got into contact with Mel McGowan, Chief Creative Officer at Storyland Studios.
McGowan: “We believe Ben is the perfect individual to lead Storyland Studios’ next chapter of success and growth. We’re all confident in his ability to lead us in strategic marketing, and to build out our client-base outside of the USA. He’s a world-class leader and we’re excited to have him on the Storyland team!”
In addition to the appointment of Thompson, Storyland Studios is also welcoming Josh Steadman as new member to its team. Being a production & set designer, Steadman has been a Disney Imagineer for several years, working on projects such as the Enchanted Storybook Castle walkthrough attraction at Shanghai Disneyland. (eap)
