Ron Ashtiani
Independent
CREATIVE: Over the last 20 years, I have worked on 3 block buster Marvel movies and over 30 video games, 8 of which charted in the No1 slot.
I've been lucky enough to have worked with huge brands like J.K Rowling, Warner Bros, Sony and Microsoft to name just a few.
I have always been passionate about entertainment and digital experiences and even worked on an award winning coffee machine for Costa.
What these projects have in common is that they are all the best in their field. I challenge myself and others to push boundaries and deliver above expectations, to grow ourselves and the field we work in.
BUSINESS: I've been involved in the running of several businesses over the years, my most notable success being visual design studio, Atomhawk.
I formed the company in the 2009 recession and built it up from a team of 4, to an international leading brand with studios in the UK and Canada. The business has won 8 awards to date and I am proud to have been listed in both the UK top 100 people in video games and also in the top 100 in digital media.
In June 2017, I negotiated the acquisition of Atomhawk by Sumo Digital and I joined their management team. In December 2017 we floated the combined group on AIM as Sumo Group PLC
LEADERSHIP: I have led a wide range of teams, from small proof of concept groups to large development teams spread across multiple locations.
As a start up founder to mature business CEO, I have worn every hat in the organisation, doing whatever was needed to grow into a mature business: overseeing projects, creative direction, production, finance, account management, business development.
I found my passion in growing people, inspiring the creative teams, building key client relationships and setting our business strategy.
I managed to successfully build studios in the UK and Canada. When I sold the business in 2017, I kept my group focused to then go through a successful IPO.
