PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, has appointed three internal candidates to its leadership team, as part of its plan for future growth in the themed entertainment, cultural and hospitality industries.
Hui Chen, Amanda Yates and Jason Mills have been promoted to director-level positions, where they will work to build on three key areas of the company’s strengths. These are: growth and diversification of PGAV’s practice in Asia; expansion of its creation of experiences for consumer brands; and enhancement of its strengths in the creative visualization of cutting-edge experiences.
“These are three new positions that have grown out of our strategic planning and are focused on growth and expansion of our practice,” says Mike Konzen, PGAV CEO.
“We are excited to encourage Hui, Amanda, and Jason to continue to develop as leaders who will contribute to our organization’s growth and competitiveness. I look forward to their continued impact and creative contributions.”
Director of Asian Projects
Hui Chen will take on the role of Director of Asian Projects. A licensed architect with over 15 years of planning and design experience, as well as more than eight years of destination industry experience, Chen will oversee the company’s projects in Asia from initial proposals to final construction.
She will also be responsible for identifying, developing, and managing business relationships; identifying and creating business growth opportunities, understanding customer requirements; and safeguarding clients’ interests. Chen has a degree in architecture from Xiamen University in China and was awarded her Master of Architectural by the University of Texas.
Speaking about the announcement, Hui says, “I am excited about expanding PGAV’s practice into the highly dynamic Asian market and working in all the different project types.”
Director of Brand Experience
Meanwhile, Amanda Yates, a multidisciplinary designer and brand strategist with more than a decade of industry experience, specifically in museum and brand experiences, has been promoted to Director of Brand Experience.
Yates has a degree in Communication Design from The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis. In this role, she will develop and grow sales strategies for a range of brand services at the company, working on project teams to identify and deliver customized client-focused brand services, ranging from strategy and positioning to immersive environments and digital experiences.
“With the expansion of this practice, I’m proud to bring PGAV’s bespoke approach and bold solutions to a wider range of emerging and legacy brands,” says Yates.
Director of Visual Development
Finally, Mills, who brings a decade of experience in the attraction and animation industries to his new role, will take on the position of Director of Visual Development.
With his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation & Visual Effects from Academy of Art University alongside a Master of Arts in Design Management from Savannah College of Art & Design, he will be responsible for managing the visual development process across multiple client projects, as well as maintaining client relationships, and collaborating with project leaders.
“I am thrilled to explore new opportunities for collaboration, design thinking, and innovation as an evolution of our creative process,” says Mills.
Earlier this year, the PGAV team spoke to blooloop about the sixth annual Voice of the Visitor: Outlook on the Attractions Industry, and why they predict good times ahead for the attractions industry
