BURBANK, CA – Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) announced today that Ned McNeilage, an award-winning creative leader with more than 30 years of experience, has joined the Company as Chief Creative Officer of Sphere, a next-generation entertainment medium that is redefining the future of live entertainment.
In this new role, McNeilage will help shape the creative and brand strategy for Sphere. He will lead Sphere’s in-house creative design studio and brand teams, overseeing all Sphere brand strategy and creative. He will also be responsible for content that runs on the Exosphere – the venue’s fully programmable LED exterior – which features artistic content created by Sphere and renowned artists, as well as branded content from premier brands. Since the first Sphere opened in Las Vegas in September 2023, the venue has become widely recognized globally for its innovations, including the captivating content that has been displayed on the Exosphere.
“I am pleased to welcome Ned to Sphere Entertainment,” said Jennifer Koester, president, Sphere Business Operations. “Sphere is redefining immersive experiences, including through the Exosphere, which is an unparalleled digital canvas for public art and brand storytelling. Ned has worked with premier brands to spearhead memorable campaigns, and he will bring that expertise to not only support our partners in creating impactful brand moments at Sphere, but also continue to build the Sphere brand.”
“Joining the Sphere team and being part of shaping the brand’s creative vision is a remarkable opportunity,” said McNeilage. “Sphere has expanded the possibilities for artists and brands to express themselves through an entirely new medium, and I am eager to work with our partners and across the entire Sphere team to continue exploring the power of Sphere to connect with audiences in innovative ways.”
Throughout his career, McNeilage has worked at the intersection of brands, entertainment, and technology. Prior to joining Sphere Entertainment, McNeilage served as Chief Creative Officer at VML. In this role, he worked on innovative campaigns for blue-chip brands including Microsoft, IBM, and Google in addition to overseeing multiple offices. Prior to VML, Mr. McNeilage served as Chief Creative Officer at BBH LA, managing a team of creatives, entertainment specialists and technologists across brands including Samsung, American Express, and Activision. Mr. McNeilage’s career experience also includes serving as Group Creative Director for TBWA\Media Arts Lab, where he worked on the launch of Apple TV+ and projects for Apple Music, and as Executive Creative Director at Creative Artists Agency, where he created award winning entertainment and experiences for globally recognized brands. His advertising career began at Wieden + Kennedy where he spent almost a decade creating campaigns for clients including Nike, ESPN, and Coca-Cola.
McNeilage’s work for brands has been recognized with multiple industry honors including at Cannes Lions, The One Show, D&AD, and Effies.
McNeilage received a B.A. in Communication, Journalism and Politics from Curtin University in Perth, Australia.
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