Former HBO Marketing VP Steven Cardwell Joins Waiting In The Sky As Partner

Steven Cardwell, the former vice president of Originals Marketing at HBO and Max, has joined the entertainment strategy and audience insights agency Waiting in the Sky as a partner.

In his new role, Cardwell will help bolster the company’s mission to “build a home for the world’s most inspiring and creative pop culture marketers,” according to the company.

More from Deadline

“I think I speak for many clients and agencies when I say that Steven has been a source of inspiration to all of us in Entertainment Marketing for years,” Jake Katz, Founder of Waiting in the Sky said in a statement. “He is one of the most trusted minds in the business, and his magic has been behind some of the most transcendent entertainment campaigns in recent history. I am excited to welcome Steven as a partner of Waiting In The Sky. With Steven’s expertise and our innovative approach, we are uniquely positioned to deliver unparalleled marketing that will elevate our clients’ brands to new heights.”

Added Cardwell: “I am thrilled to join Waiting in the Sky. They have been an invaluable agency partner for many years during my time at HBO and Max, and their thoughtful approach to strategy and insights has been foundational for so many brilliant campaigns. I hope that we can continue to push the boundaries of entertainment marketing and create unforgettable campaigns that resonate with audiences around the world.”

During his lengthy tenure at Warner Bros. Discovery, Cardwell was responsible for overseeing the marketing campaigns for some of the biggest television series of the past decade, including Succession, Euphoria, Westworld and Game of Thrones.

Most recently, he helped launch the marketing for Season 2 of House of the Dragon. The campaign encouraged some iconic landmarks and institutions, sports teams, brands and more raising banners for Team Green or Team Black. There was even a 270-foot dragon takeover on top of the Empire State Building.

Prior to joining WBD, Cardwell served as marketing director for IFC Films and Scott Rudin Productions, where he handled a marketing slate that included Boyhood, The Social Network, True Grit, Moonrise Kingdom. He also worked on campaigns for Broadway productions, like the Tony Award-winning musical, The Book of Mormon.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.