Thinkwell Group, the global experience design and production company, has announced the appointment of Hugues Sweeney to the role of President, Thinkwell Studio Montréal.
Thinkwell Group is pleased to continue its expansion in Montréal by welcoming Hugues Sweeney to his new role as the President of Thinkwell Studio Montréal. Sweeney will bring strategic leadership skills to the role, as well as creative expertise, as the company grows its practices in the region.
The global agency has a global presence, with studios and offices in Los Angeles, Beijing, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Montréal. This move emphasises Thinkwell Group’s commitment to Montréal, Québec, and Canada.
A long-term vision
“Our global projects demand the highest level of both creative execution and technology-driven design and development, and we believe that Montréal is a strong differentiator for Thinkwell in these pursuits,” says François Bergeron, Chief Operating & Financial Officer, Thinkwell Group. “Bringing Hugues into the organization will allow the company to strategically implement our long-term vision in Montréal.”
Sweeney will be responsible for bringing in new creative projects in a range of areas, including museums, attractions, corporate brand experiences, and hospitality clients. He will also oversee the research and development initiatives of Réalisations-Montréal.
“This appointment signals the next chapter for Réalisations,” said Roger Parent, founder of Réalisations-Montréal. “Hugues’ creative leadership and expertise will build upon our existing foundation as a boutique creative technology firm.”
An award-winning digital media executive
Sweeney brings with him over 20 years of experience in producing innovative interactive experience. He previously served as the head of Bande à part (CBC’s digital native music platform) and was also a founding member of National Film Board (NFB) digital studio.
He has a wealth of experience in creating media and interactive projects to reach big audiences and has developed many products and partnerships across America and Europe during his career. Sweeney’s productions have been recognised by over 150 global awards and distinctions, including SXSW, Webby, Japan Media Arts, Creative Review, and NUMIX.
A passion for arts and culture
Sweeney also serves as vice-president of the Montréal Arts Council (CAM) Board of Trustees and is co-president of Culture Montréal’s Digital Committee. He advises the Montréal Symphonic Orchestra (OSM), XN Québec and La Piscine and is an active member of the Acquisition Committee of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC).
“I am honoured to contribute to the new life of a studio that has been a pioneer in crafting interactive environments,” said Sweeney. “Thinkwell’s presence in Montréal will play a key role in redefining collective experiences around the world through the creative application of technology, and I am excited to lead the Montréal teams into this next chapter.”
Thinkwell Group & Réalisations-Montréal
Thinkwell Group acquired the Canadian creative studio, Réalisations-Montréal, earlier in 2019. Under Hugues’ leadership, Réalisations will continue its creating new projects using cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, real-time generative projection technologies, and big data integration systems. under Hugues’ leadership.
The Montréal team worked on a series of successful projects, such as the interactive nighttime nature experience at the Parc Omega safari park in Montebello, Quebec, Canada. They also played a significant role in the award-winning Jacques-Cartier Bridge project. Previously, in 2018, Thinkwell and Réalisations collaborated on the Warner Bros Cinema Spectacular at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the worlds first 360-degree immersive indoor plaza show.
