Studio PI, the photography and illustration agency that champions talent from underrepresented backgrounds, has appointed Darren Sital-Singh as Managing Director.  Sital-Singh, previously at Hearst and Shortlist, will work alongside Sachini Imbuldeniya, Studio PI’s founder and Executive Creative Director, as the agency builds on a strong first year of growth.

Since its launch in October 2020, Studio PI has built a powerful reputation and significant commercial success, with 20 artists on its roster and more than 140 creative commissions including work for Adidas, The Sunday Times Magazine, Calvin Klein, Samsung, Christian Louboutin, Mr Porter, Volvo, Sky, Natwest, The FA, Eastpak, Puma, Channel 4, The Guardian & Observer and GQ.  

Launched by News UK in 2020, the agency has been at the forefront of driving increased diversity in the creative process and has identified and promoted numerous new artists from underrepresented backgrounds.  The business’ success has also been recognised in a number of significant award wins, including Launch of the Year at Campaign’s Publishing Awards.

Darren Sital-Singh is an experienced commercial and brand specialist in media and publishing.  Prior to joining Studio PI, he was Client Director for Entertainment and Telecoms at News UK.  Previous to this he was Managing Director of upmarket men’s lifestyle media brand The Jackal, Publisher of Shortlist and Advertising Director of Esquire at Hearst Magazines.

Sachini Imbuldeniya, Studio PI’s founder and Executive Creative Director, said: “We’ve had an incredible first year, exceeding all of our commercial and cultural targets to build the UK’s leading agency for photographers and illustrators from underrepresented backgrounds. Darren coming on board will strengthen our executive management team to help deliver the next stage of our growth.”

Darren Sital-Singh, Managing Director, Studio PI, added: “Studio PI is a business that’s delivering not just on its commercial imperative, but on its cultural goal to to drive a more diverse and equitable Creative industry through the championing of underrepresented talent. It’s a hugely exciting opportunity to build on the successes of the first year and to take this business to the next level.”