Framestore appoints Mel Sullivan as CEO

Framestore has appointed Mel Sullivan (pictured above right) as its new CEO, with founding member and CEO of 26 years Sir William Sargent (pictured above left) stepping down to focus on the wider Framestore Company 3 Group.

Sullivan has been with Framestore since 1998, most recently serving as the company’s chief operating officer. The new role will see her increase her focus on the company’s strategic direction, with new group CFO Claire Price taking on the day-to-day financial responsibilities for both Framestore and Company 3 as of the beginning of July.

Mel began her career in finance and corporate brokerage. Since joining Framestore she has played a key role in growing the company from its London roots and a staff of 150 to a global company with eight offices across four continents and a headcount of more than 3,000 artists, producers and technologists.

She said: “From day one I always felt like Framestore had a rare, lightning-in-a-bottle quality as a company. I think it stems from a unique mixture of creativity, collaboration and boldness of vision - it sets our work apart and it sets our people apart, and it’s something we’ve been keen to hold onto throughout the integration of studios in Montreal, Vancouver and Melbourne, the growth of our Mumbai studio and the strides we’re making in fields like real-time, machine learning and virtual production. I’ve been constantly amazed by the people here and what they do, and it’s my absolute pleasure to be playing an even bigger part in Framestore’s story as we move forward. I’m grateful to William for his ongoing support, and to an incredible management team whose diligence and expertise have helped so much on this ongoing journey.”

Sargent added: “Framestore has grown and evolved in startling ways since we started the company with five people and a big idea. From ad spots and pop promos for David Bowie and Madonna we’ve moved into blockbuster franchises, tentpole episodic productions and landmark theme park installations. In less than five years the company has doubled in size and expanded into three new territories, so it definitely feels like Mel is taking the reins at another pivotal stage of the company’s evolutionary growth. I have absolutely no doubt that under her stewardship we will see the company continue its ambitious trajectory.”