Partners + Napier has promoted SVP Mike Baron from group creative director to executive creative director. Since joining the agency in 2005, Baron has been instrumental in building the Partners + Napier health and wellness vertical, while redefining and reshaping the agency’s in-house content studio.
In his newly expanded position, Baron will continue to oversee creative work for the agency’s growing health and wellness vertical, while playing a key role on the agency growth team and the operations team. He will also look to strengthen and expand the content studio to meet the ever-evolving needs of agency clients.
“Since the very early days of the agency, Mike’s personal creative contributions have helped shape our product, and his leadership style will continue to help us write our future,” said Sharon Napier, CEO and founder of Partners + Napier. “Mike’s love for this business is contagious. He inspires everyone around him to push their limits and do their best work.”
Baron’s work as a writer, creative leader and commercial director over his 14 years at the agency has helped build a creative culture of excellence. Baron’s work for Less Plastics UK claimed two Silver and two Gold ADDY Awards at this year’s regional event, where he also took home the Best of Broadcast Award. In 2018, his work for the African Conservation Foundation was recognized in Lurzer’s Archive, and his work for Highmark Health won bronze and gold Effies in the North American Effie Awards — catapulting Partners + Napier to Effie Worldwide’s Top Most Effective Individual Agencies in North America.
“We’ve proven that great work can be done for any brand — in any industry,” said Baron. “I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a group of amazingly talented and passionate people, and I’m excited to see what we can do next.”
Prior to joining Partners + Napier, Baron spent time at Hill Holliday, Young & Rubicam, Saatchi & Saatchi, Crowley Webb & Associates and Eric Mower and Associates. He has worked on some of the best-known consumer brands as well as household names in healthcare and financial services, including PepsiCo, Delta Vacations, Capital One, Highmark Health, M&T Bank, TJX Corporation (Marshall’s), and Citibank Corporation.
“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragon’s two wins were for “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the “Part Six: Far,l Far Away” episode of Ahsoka.
The HPA’s Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: “Celebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.”
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More