Global creative production studio The Mill has appointed Josh Mandel as its new CEO.
Mandel will be taking on the newly appointed role as previous acting CEO David Patton turns his focus to growing the wider advertising division at The Mill’s parent company Technicolor. Within his role as global president of Creative Experience and Advertising at Technicolor, Patton will continue to be responsible for leading MPC Advertising, The Mill and Mikros creative production studios.
Mandel initially joined The Mill’s studio in Los Angeles as managing director/president in 2019. Mandel brings two decades of experience with the world’s best marketers to the global CEO role, having held senior leadership roles at Nike, Wieden+Kennedy, R/GA, 72andSunny and 180Amsterdam. Mandel’s commitment to growth and diversity of experience has seen him work across Europe, Mexico and the U.S.
The move comes as The Mill business continues to expand its capabilities in the creative marketing, production, experiential and visual effects space. Mandel’s appointment ushers in a new decade for the 31-year-old business that has adapted to the ever-changing industry and evolved from a postproduction facility to full service creative studio.
As the business strives to continue to work with the best brands, agencies and production companies, Mandel is charged with driving the creative studio forward and ensuring its success in a post-COVID era. He will also focus on upholding The Mill’s commitment to its people and culture, ensuring the company’s mission around diversity, equity and inclusion is honored throughout every level of the business. Mandel will be responsible for running The Mill globally and accountable for the overall performance and creative culture within all studios in London, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Berlin and Bangalore, as well as exploring opportunities for further global expansion.
Mandel will report directly into Patton, who comments, “This is a critical step up for Josh in recognition of the great strategic work he has done with The Mill since his arrival. I believe he is perfectly placed to build the business for even greater success in the future. Having held a number of senior positions at widely respected companies, he’s a strong strategist and has a good grasp of how the creative industry is evolving and the opportunities being created for The Mill. Most importantly I believe he will prove to a strong, dependable, commercial and critically creative leader.”
Mandel added, “Since joining The Mill I have had the great pleasure of working with highly acclaimed talent, doing extraordinary work for the world’s best agencies and brands. People join The Mill to do the work that defines their careers - and I want to continue that legacy. I hope we can continue to grow into new regions and explore new creative capabilities, working with partners who want to push the boundaries of what is possible within production and brand experiences.”