Dhar Mann Studios (DMS), a digital media company with over 136 million followers worldwide, is bolstering its leadership team with strategic hires from both digital and traditional entertainment sectors as it positions itself as a creator-led alternative to traditional Hollywood infrastructure.

The studio has announced five new hires and promotions, bringing in senior talent to scale operations, deepen audience insights, and accelerate brand and platform partnerships.

Emmy-winning production executive Toni Gray joins as Head of Production, bringing over 20 years of experience delivering iconic game shows and unscripted television series. Previously at Fremantle Media and MrBeast Productions, Gray oversaw a 1,200-person daily crew for “Beast Games,” which Amazon recently renewed for two more seasons.

Alex Tinley, appointed as Senior Manager of Production & Operations, comes with experience as a former BBC and FOX production head. Her portfolio spans from self-funded shoots to complex international series, including the BAFTA-nominated “Robot Wars” and major productions like “Paradise Hotel” and “Work Out.”

Regina Kozakiewicz steps in as Head of Audience Development & Insights after roles at Dotdash Meredith and Hearst. With a decade of experience growing audiences across YouTube and social platforms, Kozakiewicz previously developed strategies for Fortune 500 clients and led cross-platform strategy for publications including Cosmopolitan and Harper’s BAZAAR.

Kelly Browne joins as Controller, Finance and Accounting Lead, bringing over 15 years of experience from senior roles at Warner Bros., Disney, and HBO. Browne previously held positions at Jellysmack and Maker Studios, focusing on scalable financial frameworks.

The company also promoted Ruben Ortiz, DMS’s first employee, to Showrunner for the business. At 28, Ortiz has built a career leading the largest scripted channels on both Facebook and YouTube.

Studio Scale and Market Position

DMS operates from a 125,000-square-foot, three-stage production facility in Burbank, described as the largest creator-led studio in Los Angeles, with nearly 200 employees, the company’s COO, Sean Atkins, told Net Influencer in October.

Mann ranked second on Forbes’ 2024 Top Creators list with $45 million in earnings. His YouTube channel, focused on social issues and life lessons, generates revenue through Google AdSense and brand partnerships.

DMS positions itself as a premium, brand-safe environment for advertisers, leveraging its scripted content and diverse audience reach that over-indexes with female, Hispanic, and African American viewers.