Written by Kianna Best on May 26, 2023. Posted in General Interest

Melanie Bridge and Sharlene George appointed as Co-CEOs of The Sweetshop

Founding partners Melanie Bridge and Sharlene George of New Zealand based production company The Sweetshop are moving into co-CEO roles. The award-winning partners who have guided the company to success over the past 2 decades, will now be at the helm of a fully female led production company. Bridge and George will be replacing Wilf Sweetland after his 12 years as Global CEO position.

“Sharing the CEO job plays to each of our strengths perfectly,” said Bridge. “Sharlene’s skills are more in the production areas, while mine focus more on the creative. My experience as a director is a wonderful asset, as every executive decision comes through this filter.”

“Our global reach allows us access to the best the industry has to offer—but we are still the same Kiwi Company that started in 2001, one that upholds values of kindness, inclusion, sustainability and ingenuity,” said George. “Our heritage as a brand is important to us, and we’re also really mindful about keeping the company modern and fresh.”

From left to right, Sharlene George and Melanie Bridge (Image courtesy of The Sweetshop)

Along with chairperson Paul Prince, George and Bridge have formed a close knit working dynamic that has contributed to a projects exhibiting trailblazing creativity. The Cannes Lion and D&D Pencils winning production company will continue to contribute to quality commercial content, expanding into documentary and scripted feature films, as well as digital and television series. George will also bring her skills she has been harnessing on longer-form content which is being brought in-house.

“I am very excited to circle back to where we started and reconnect with the company’s roots. Sharlene and Melanie are two of the most experienced, passionate, hardworking and smart people I know,” comments Paul Prince, who will continue to serve as board chairman. “Of course, I have so much gratitude for Wilf and everything he has done for The Sweetshop. A global production company has many moving parts, and his strength in production and relationshi

ps has been an enormous asset. We wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors.”