Thinkingbox Opens London Office with Former Executives from The Mill and Publicis Groupe
Thinkingbox, the global experience and creative studio, has opened its London office, marking a major step in its international expansion. The London team launches with leadership from Shaun Severi, Alexander Buxton, and Peter Maynard. The studio opens with immediate assignments including those from Dior, BVLGARI, and FIFA.
Shaun brings his creative vision as executive creative director. Most recently he oversaw global creative at The Mill Paris, where he led campaigns across fashion, automotive, and entertainment. His work spans brands such as Chanel, Ikea, and L’Oréal, and Nissan. He also teaches at Penninghen, one of Paris’s leading design schools.
Peter combines business, innovative production and operational smarts as managing director. He was previously the managing director of Prodigious London, Publicis Groupe’s production powerhouse. There, he led a team of over 100 and delivered large-scale, integrated campaigns across the network’s agency brands.
Alexander manages client relations as partnerships director. Previously at The Mill, he led global pitch efforts and client services. He brings a history of building and sustaining successful brand relationships.
Together, the leadership team brings a combined perspective rooted in high craft, global delivery, and a desire to challenge the traditional advertising models.
“Clients are tired of hearing great ideas that never get made,” said Amir Sahba, CEO of Thinkingbox. “That’s why we built Thinkingbox to close the gap between creativity and execution. Shaun, Peter and Alex have spent their careers operating at the highest level, leading some of the best work in the industry and having them lead the London office is a signal of how serious we are about changing the game.”
The London office follows the same integrated model of strategy, creative, and production under one roof that has driven Thinkingbox’s 27% year-over-year growth in North America. While much of the industry continues to contract, demand for Thinkingbox’s approach has grown, with eight new brands added to its roster this year alone. As marketers look for a faster, more consistent delivery, Thinkingbox is doubling down on offering a modern alternative to the traditional agency model.
“We know London isn’t short on traditional agencies,” said Shaun Severi. “But the opportunity lies in building a studio with taste that actually delivers on the idea. We’re here to do that with impact.”
“We are experts at delivering on smart creative”, added Peter Maynard. “Whether the idea calls for bespoke live-action or fully integrated, 360 production. We’re building a genuinely integrated team of experts that move with culture, from strategists and line producers to designers and technologists, to push the possibilities of ideation and production.”
“We’re already seeing success with the Thinkingbox approach in London,” said Alexander. “Brands today need partners who not only understand and shape creative ideas but are also able to bring them to life quickly and at the highest quality. That ability to combine creative insight with excellent delivery is why we're seeing such interest.”
The launch follows major momentum for Thinkingbox, including the hiring of The Mill’s former design and motion team in Chicago and Los Angeles after Technicolor’s abrupt closure. The London team is operating from their new space near King’s Cross.
With studios in Los Angeles, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Vancouver, Toronto, Mexico City, and now London. Each Thinkingbox location is built to lead locally whilst contributing to a shared vision: making bold, culturally relevant work that is delivered by best in class makers. The team in London is already proving how powerful that approach can be. Already hiring across production, creative and strategy. Expecting to have close to 20 team members by end of the year.
