Jellyfish names new leadership team

Jellyfish Pictures has undergone a major leadership change, with a new CEO, COO, MD of film and episodic VFX, and head of people. 

This move comes after private equity firm Key Capital Partners took a minority stake in the VFX house, and aimed to double the company’s size by the end of 2022.

David Patton, former global president of brand experience and advertising at Technicolor Creative Studios (where he led The Mill and MPC Advertising) has joined as CEO. He will work closely with Jellyfish Pictures’ founder Phil Dobree, focusing on broadening the studio’s product offering, building out operational efficiencies, expanding into new markets and nurturing the company’s creative talent. 

Mark Warburg becomes COO, having also been at Technicolor Creative Studios as global head of people. He will be responsible for all aspects of operations and talent.

Phil Greenlow, formerly the global managing director for film at MPC, joins Jellyfish Pictures as managing director of VFX across film and episodic content. With 16 years’ experience in the industry, Greenlow will work on a range of content from major feature films to the high-end TV market.

Another joining from MPC, former global head of people Sharn Gondal has been appointed as Jellyfish Pictures’ head of people, responsible for the development and expansion of Jellyfish Pictures’ talent. 

Meanwhile, Natalie Llewellyn expands her role as managing director of Jellyfish Pictures’ animation & originals overseeing all the studio’s animation production output and driving business development, client relationships and partner initiatives.

Finally, existing CFO Michelle David and director VFX and animation Luke Dodd will support the leadership team and work closely with new CEO David Patton on delivering the company’s ambitions and managing sustained growth.

Dobree commented: “I’m delighted to welcome David as CEO to drive new growth opportunities and steer a new and refocused leadership team. Given our significant successes over the past few years, it’s critical that we continue to strengthen and invest in our talent and technology - not only to continue to build scale but also to ensure that we are able to deliver the very best Tier 1 creative product and service to our clients across all markets.”

Patton added: “Jellyfish Pictures is on an incredible journey and has tremendous ambition. The new leadership team and structure we now have in place will enable Jellyfish Pictures to remain creatively agile, fast-paced and technology-leading. These set the platform for taking Jellyfish Pictures to the next level and I’m delighted to be joining the business at such an exciting time.”