SMUGGLER has promoted executive producer Sue Yeon Ahn to U.S. managing director. 

Based in Los Angeles, Ahn has spent her career in the commercial and music video world, working with brands like Apple, Nike, Calvin Klein, as well as such artists as Jay-Z and Run The Jewels. 

Patrick Milling Smith, who founded SMUGGLER with Brian Carmody, said that the managing director role is new at SMUGGLER and “one that’s been a long time in coming. Sue brings her unique elegance, focus, and distinct point of view to everything she touches. There are big dreams afoot at SMUGGLER, and we feel very fortunate having the team we do, bristling with ambition and experience--all wanting to swing hard.”

Ahn executive produced Apple’s “The Underdogs” campaign which was followed by a brilliant sequel in 2020--“The Whole Working-From-Home Thing” directed by DGA Award-nominated Mark Molloy and shot with a minimal crew, innovating the way to produce in the era of COVID. The seven-minute film has continued to sweep awards season, earning a Cannes Gold Lion for Achievement in Production and a Grand Prix at Ciclope. 

Prior to SMUGGLER, Ahn worked as EP for The Directors Bureau, founded by Roman Coppola. Ahn began her career as an assistant to Coppola, before transitioning into the production space. While at The Directors Bureau, Ahn executive produced Arcade Fire’s “We Exist” music video, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Music Video in 2014. 

In her new post, Ahn will continue to executive produce and develop talent across SMUGGLER’s roster.