HBO Marketing Executive Steven Cardwell Joins Waiting in the Sky as Partner

Steven Cardwell, the former vice president of originals marketing at HBO and Max, is embarking on a new chapter in his career by joining Waiting in the Sky, an entertainment strategy and audience insights agency, as a partner.

At Waiting in the Sky, Cardwell will continue his role in spearheading marketing campaigns for a diverse range of clients, including HBO, Max, FX, Disney, Freeform, and Warner Music. During his extensive nine-year tenure at HBO and Max, Cardwell led groundbreaking campaigns for highly acclaimed series such as “House of the Dragon,” “Succession,” “Euphoria,” “Westworld,” and the iconic “Game of Thrones.”

Among his notable achievements, Cardwell orchestrated the immersive experience SXSWestworld at SXSW in 2018, and he played a pivotal role in the final season campaign of “Game of Thrones” with the hashtag #ForTheThrone. For the ongoing second season of “House of the Dragon,” Cardwell curated a unique campaign that engaged brands, sports teams, and fans to align with either Team Green or Team Black, culminating in a spectacular 270-foot dragon installation atop the Empire State Building.

Prior to his role at HBO and Max, Cardwell served as the marketing director for IFC Films and Scott Rudin Productions, contributing his expertise to projects like “Boyhood,” “The Social Network,” “True Grit,” “Moonrise Kingdom,” and the Broadway hit “The Book of Mormon.”

Jake Katz, the founder of Waiting in the Sky, expressed his enthusiasm about Cardwell’s addition to the team, highlighting his exceptional talent and track record in the entertainment marketing industry. Katz praised Cardwell as a visionary whose campaigns have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

In response to his new role, Cardwell expressed his excitement about joining Waiting in the Sky, emphasizing the agency’s strategic approach and insightful methodologies that have been instrumental in the success of numerous campaigns. He looks forward to pushing the boundaries of entertainment marketing and creating unforgettable experiences that resonate with global audiences.

Cardwell’s transition to Waiting in the Sky marks a significant moment in his career, where his expertise and creativity are set to further elevate the agency’s innovative marketing strategies and deliver unparalleled results for their clients.