Framestore & Company 3 Group Names David Kassler as Group CEO

Oscar, Emmy and BAFTA-winning tech and creative powerhouse FC3 (the Framestore and Company 3 Group) today named David Kassler as its new Group Chief Executive Officer.

Kassler joins FC3 from Tag, where he was Global CEO of the leading global content production partner for brands (recently acquired by Dentsu). He led the business for seven years, in which time it expanded globally, developed new AI-led technology services and made six key acquisitions as part of its growth strategy. His 25-year career has seen him lead transformations across the consumer, media and creative sectors, with the last 15 years spent serving as CEO of businesses such as EMI Music, Deluxe International and Tag.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining FC3, and truly honored to be working with the teams at two of the world’s pre-eminent film and entertainment businesses,” said Kassler. “FC3’s work helps shape global entertainment and the way audiences engage with films, brands and entertainment. This means it’s an exciting place to be culturally, but also one that represents tremendous scope for growth, innovation and new strategic partnerships.”

Kassler’s experience across entertainment, top brands and post-production makes him a natural fit for FC3. The group’s key brands, Framestore and Company 3, pride themselves on their combination of cutting-edge innovation and traditional artistry to deliver tech-forward creative solutions to the world’s biggest directors, studios and brands. FC3 provides a full suite of concept-to-post services, from concept art, pre-production and visualization services through to animation, VFX, sound, editing and final grade. This work extends beyond film, TV and advertising to encompass immersive experiences and theme park rides, utilizing VR, AR and MR technologies.

Recent and upcoming FC3 Group credits include Deadpool & Wolverine, Paddington in Peru, Wicked and Gladiator II, as well as ads for Gucci, McDonald’s and Toyota and Merlin’s first Jumanji theme park experience.

“I am really pleased David is joining us at this transformative time. It’s not just those of us working in the tech and creative industries who are embracing change, but every business and brand seeking a bigger audience for their stories,” commented Sir William Sargent, Group Chair of FC3. “Our role is to not just help tell those stories but to reframe how they are told, and David’s incredible depth of experience is exactly what we need as we explore new opportunities, new technologies and new markets.”

Kassler will work closely with Mel Sullivan, CEO of Framestore and  Stefan Sonnenfeld, CEO of Company 3, to execute the dynamic FC3 business plan. The top team was recently also joined by major interactive and linear media production CTO and AI expert Lincoln Wallen as FC3 Group CTO.

“David is absolutely the right person to lead FC3 in the next phase of its life. I am thrilled to be partnering with him in what is an exciting time for our company,” said Sullivan.

Sonnenfeld added, “I have known David for over a decade and am delighted that he is joining FC3. I very much look forward to working with him and continuing to build what is the pre-eminent Company in the industry.”