Thinkwell Group, the global experience design and production agency, have announced the promotion of Kelly Ryner to the position of President of both Thinkwell Asia, Ltd. in Hong Kong and 思客未来 Sī Kè Wèi Lái (Thinkwell’s Chinese entity) in Bejing, China. She will be located full time in Beijing and has a remit to spearhead growth throughout region.
Ryner has over 26 years of experience in the industry starting out as an artist and art director for Nickelodeon, Universal Studios and Warner Bros. before moving into business development.
Commenting on her new role Ryner said, “I am incredibly honored and excited about this opportunity. We are building a presence in Asia that not only allows us to spearhead projects from China, but also support our award-winning creative, design and technical efforts from Los Angeles. Having been with Thinkwell for 13 years I’ve seen first-hand what it takes to grow a company from four people to almost 200 employees and I am thrilled to take on this new challenge.”
Thinkwell has worked in Asia over many years in the theme park and resort sectors helping major studios, casino owners and Fortune 500 companies to expand their brand and intellectual properties overseas. Recent projects in China have seen Thinkwell partnering in the strategy, creation and development of new intellectual properties and projects for heritage attractions, educational experiences, theme parks and resorts with real estate developers like Zhonghong Group, Eontime, Le Song, Legend Tourism and Huayi Brothers Studios.
Ryner’s appointment is the latest stage in Thinkwell’s long term growth strategy in Asia says Joe Zenas, Chief Executive Officer of Thinkwell Group: “Kelly has been a key contributor to our success since the company’s inception in 2001. We are confident in her ability to build a significant business in Asia and will bring her entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic to bear on our growth there.”
Francois Bergeron, Chief Operating Officer of Thinkwell added, “With Kelly being promoted to be a principal in our companies in Asia as well as relocating to China, I can’t think of a better way to show our commitment to the relationships we’ve been fostering with our long-standing client base there.”
