Brand studio and production company Sibling Rivalry has promoted three key people from across the business to partners, joining co-founders Joe Wright and Mikon van Gastel at the company’s leadership table.
Darren Foldes is now partner, managing director on the films side of Sibling Rivalry. On the brand studio side of the business, Lauren Hartstone takes the role of partner, executive creative director and Joanna Fillie becomes partner, managing director.
The appointments create a collective leadership team, driving the company forward with more internal touchpoints for the company and its clients, who include HBO Max, BET, Google, and Audible while extending its reach and responsiveness to new opportunities.
“As the work we do and the places it comes from continues to diversify, we need a greater breadth of background and expertise across the industries we speak to,” said co-founder and CEO van Gastel. “We chose Joanna, Lauren, and Darren because, between them, they bring a mix of loyalty, drive, kindness, and obsessive appreciation of our craft. Having a multi-leadership team will benefit our clients’ evolving needs and strengthen decision making across the business.”
Hartstone is an Emmy-nominated creative director and graphic designer with over two decades of experience spanning entertainment, tech, and lifestyle industries. Select clients include Apple TV+, HBO Max, B&H, NBC, Google, and FX. Previously, Hartstone was a creative director at Gretel and Imaginary Forces. Her work has been recognized by TDC and Clios, among others.
Foldes served as executive producer of Emmy award winner “You Can’t Stop Us” for Nike in 2021. He also worked on the 2020 Emmy-nominated “Bounce” for Apple. His work has also won a Cannes Grand Prix, the Black Cube at the Art Directors Club, multiple One Show Gold Pencils, Clios, D&AD awards, British Arrows, and Webbys. Foldes got his start working for Academy Award-winning (Platoon) producer Arnold Kopelson and went on to produce two films for MGM.
As managing director of Sibling Rivalry, Fillie oversees the operations and sales of the bicoastal agency. Her expertise in production, branding, and strategy–spanning 20+ years in the business, ensures the team is well-equipped to deliver successful outcomes for entertainment, tech, and luxury brands like Apple, NBC, and BVLGARI. With over 20+ years in the business, Her early background at Lee Hunt Associates, Imaginary Forces, and AVSO/Offspring has provided the skills to bring together creative directors, strategists, designers, animators, and producers to produce award-winning content and brands. Her work has been recognized by Clios, and The One Show.
“Lauren, Darren, and Joanna bring an incredible wealth of knowledge in their respective areas of expertise,” said Sibling Rivalry co-founder and chief creative officer Wright. “As the landscape around us continues to change, we fully trust them to help us chart the course for ourselves and our clients.
“We also believe having a co-leadership team fosters a more inclusive culture, signaling that we value every Sibling’s voice and that we strive to promote from within.”
