New Chief Executive For The Foundry

The Foundry has announced the appointment of Alex Mahon as its new Chief Executive.

Alex was previously the CEO of Shine Group which she joined in 2006. The production company is behind shows such as MasterChef, Spooks and Broadchurch. She has also previously held senior positions at Talkback Thames, FremantleMedia Group and RTL Group.

The Foundry is a global developer of software to deliver high-end visual and 3D effects for the design, visualisation and entertainment industries. Founded in 1996, it was acquired by HgCapital in July 2015. The company has grown in recent years through innovation, M&A activity, expansion into new markets and technology licensing deals with customers including Disney, Weta Digital and Sony Pictures Imageworks.

The firm paved the way in the film postproduction visual effects space with its NUKE product, which is used by artists and designers such as Dreamworks, Double Negative and Pixar to create visual effects. It has moved into commercial design software for clients such as Mercedes-Benz. The Foundry is now using its expertise to create innovative IP and technology for the next generation of virtual and augmented reality environments.

Alex Mahon said: "Having spent the last 20 years working in both technology and creative industries, I'm thrilled to be joining The Foundry because of the opportunity for dynamic change and rapid growth. The pace of change in technology combined with The Foundry's well-deserved reputation for cutting-edge software and passion for the creative process allows us almost limitless opportunities for growth."

HgCapital Managing Partner, Nic Humphries, added: "We are delighted that Alex has agreed to join The Foundry. Her wealth of experience within both the technology and creative areas will support the huge growth potential of this innovative company over the next stage of its development."

Former CEO, Bill Collis, who remains full-time as President and Board member, commented: "Alex has the skills to continue the extraordinary growth The Foundry has achieved over the last decade. I'm personally looking forward to focussing on identifying new initiatives and technology partnerships to maintain the company's entrepreneurial spirit."

Image: Alex Mahon and Bill Collis.

www.thefoundry.co.uk

(JP/LM)