DALLAS– Emily Castel, formerly President and Chief Brand Officer of Teton Ridge – an omnichannel entertainment company, has joined Colossal Biosciences, the world’s first de-extinction company as Chief Marketing Officer. Castel will bring her global entertainment and consumer brand experience to Colossal where she will lead global efforts to scale the company’s brand, experiences, consumer products and emerging media properties.
“It is important for Colossal to bring the importance of our scientific achievements and focus on de-extinction and conservation education to consumers in all mediums,” shared Ben Lamm, Colossal CEO and Co-Founder. “Emily is the global brand leader who is best suited to bring Colossal there given her extensive entertainment background, knowledge of global consumer marketing, and proven track record in franchise marketing.”
Castel is considered by many to be one of the top marketing and brand minds in Hollywood. She broke into the scene with her creative consultancy FIVE33, which included clients Disney, Pixar, Universal and Paramount, orchestrating the global marketing strategies of numerous entertainment properties including the one-billion-dollar Tim Burton’s Alice & Wonderland, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, and the most successful Star Trek movie release: JJ Abrams’ 2013 Star Trek.
In 2013, Castel joined Legendary Entertainment as Chief Marketing Officer, after Legendary acquired FIVE33. While on the executive team, Castel oversaw all movie, TV and entertainment launches including global marketing, licensing and consumer products as well as event activations. Castel successfully worked with distribution partners Warner Bros and Universal on Legendary-produced IP’s including Pacific Rim, Godzilla, Jurassic World, Warcraft and Kong: Skull Island. Castel led the development of the MonsterVerse franchise mythology, which has gone on to gross $2 billion worldwide.
After leaving Legendary in 2017, Castel launched her UK-based consultancy Castel Creative, where she served as founder and CEO. During that time, she focused on adding strategic value to brands and IPs, including the Kingsman franchise and Rocketman for Marv Studios, while maintaining an advisory role at Legendary Entertainment.
Now at Colossal, Castel will lead a growing team of brand and consumer hires including newly appointed EVP of Design, Chris Klee, an award-winning design team leader who was formerly Chief Creative Officer of Hypergiant Industries.
“I look forward to building the Colossal brand into the market leader in the space and continuing the inspiring work that the team has been undertaking,” said Castel. “I’m excited to start the next chapter of my career with the world’s first de-extinction company. It is an opportunity to drive innovation in the sector, using entertainment to inspire global communities to engage in Colossal’s pioneering mission to preserve species and further their existence on earth.”
Since launching in September 2021, Colossal has raised $225M in total funding led by led by United States Innovative Technology Fund (“USIT”), with participation from At One Ventures, West River Group, Paul Tudor Jones, Breyer Capital, Animal Capital, Bob Nelson, Tim Draper, Victor Vescovo, In-Q-Tel, Builders VC, Peak6, among others. (IANS)
