Create Names Jonathan Gitlin CEO, David Stern Moves to Chairman

Create, an entertainment marketing studio, has elevated Jonathan Gitlin to chief executive officer. Founder David Stern will transition to chairman. Stern led the company for more than two decades and will continue to advise on long-term strategy. Gitlin will handle day-to-day operations with the senior leadership team.

Executive vice president Suneil Beri, who has worked at Create for more than 15 years and built its London office, will lead the film and series team. The company also hired Joey Samaniego as creative director and head of key art, and Gerry Batson as global director of creative strategy.

Gitlin joined Create as a design intern in 2006 and advanced through roles including 3D motion designer, creative director of design, partner, and president.

The moves occur as Trailer Park Group closed several divisions and cut about 150 positions earlier this month. In 2025, rival firm Requiem was formed. Create enters the 2026 Golden Trailer Awards on Thursday with 16 nominations for campaigns including Sinners, Tron: Ares, Only Murders in the Building, and Lilo & Stitch.

“I walked into this company as an intern twenty years ago,” Gitlin said in a statement. “Leading it now feels less about the title and more about a responsibility to the people who built this organization with me.