Storyland Studios, the three-dimensional storytelling firm, has announced that Sean Featonby has been promoted to head of business development for Europe and the UK.
Featonby’s promotion follows two years of growth for the company. Throughout this time, he has continually proved his commitment to quality and to serving his clients, his colleagues, and the themed entertainment sector.
A head of business development for Europe and the UK, Featonby will be lead on the management of both new and current relationships, with the main objective of providing all visitors to Storyland Studios with a market-leading experience.
Featonby will report to Marlene Toussaint, who was recently appointed as director of business development. Toussaint has worked with top IP companies such as Mattel, Feld Entertainment, and The Walt Disney Company. This experience further strengthens the Storyland Studios’ strategic development team, which is led by Ben Thompson.
Developing firm’s reach
Based in Yorkshire in the North of England, and the company’s International HQ close to the country’s capital, Featonby is well placed to play a crucial role in growing the firm’s reach across both the UK and Europe.
“I am thrilled to take on this new role as head of business development for Europe and the UK at Storyland Studios. This is an exciting opportunity to build on our successes, connect with new clients and partners, and continue delivering exceptional themed entertainment experiences to a region we have not actively developed, but has organically grown. I look forward to contributing my learnings in this industry to help our clients and the Storyland Studios team in this next chapter of our story,” shares Featonby.
He has spent the previous ten years working on projects in a variety of themed entertainment sectors, including theme parks and attractions, brand homes and visitor centres, zoos and aquariums, museums, and many others.
Advancements in gaming IP
Featonby, an ardent gamer who has been studying, playing, and collecting for over 20 years, is also building a reputation as an advocate and leader in gaming IP, where he and his team are exploring ways to adapt virtual experiences to IRL for various IPs.
He says: “Gaming courses through my veins. The realm of gaming has been a wellspring of inspiration in shaping my methodology for themed entertainment endeavours with our clients. At the core of my guiding philosophy lies the belief that we’re not merely constructing physical spaces but weaving intricate worlds – worlds characterized by their complexity, and the profound emotional bonds that arise through quests, interaction with other players, and the hunt for treasure… on occasion.
“Emotions possess an extraordinary capacity to etch memories in stone, and these memories transcend generations. Some of my fondest recollections are those moments spent gaming with my family, these will always be with me.”
Thompson, who is partner and chief strategy officer at Storyland Studios, comments: “Sean Featonby was the first person I hired into the Storyland Studios international team back in 2021. He has been with me on the journey as we like to say in Storyland as we have grown from two people with a handful of wonderful clients to a team of now 10 people in the United Kingdom working inside a truly global business of over 120 Storylanders.
“Sean has many strengths, but one of the things I really appreciate about him is his tenacity and persistence. He’s passionate about Storyland Studios people, our culture, and the importance of work we do, and he loves creating new relationships with clients and partners. In most of the successes we’ve had over the last couple of years you can find the trace of our big bearded Viking from Yorkshire.
“I am so excited about promoting Sean into this role to lead business development in the UK and Europe. Watch this space!”
Featonby’s commitment, knowledge, and enthusiasm are anticipated to contribute to Storyland Studios’ expansion and success in the area. His promotion is a reflection of the business’s continuous dedication to providing exceptional themed entertainment experiences and cultivating deep connections with customers and partners throughout the world.
Storyland Studios welcomed two new team members in June. Jeff Damron, international architect, and Tyler Rizzo, financial analyst and corporate finance director, have joined the firm which is continuing to grow into new markets.
