CEA / OUR TEAM
People.
Forward.
Meet the leadership and academic team connecting learning to the world of production.
01 / LEADERSHIP
The people behind CEA.
Diwakar Gandhi
CEO
Diwakar leads CEA’s direction and institutional relationships, bringing partners together to develop creative education opportunities. With more than 15 years of experience guiding international students, he connects program development and partnership growth with the needs of learners and the expectations of industry.
Mabelle Sawaqed
Chief Operating Officer
Mabelle turns CEA’s international plans into coordinated delivery, overseeing operations, campus launches and institutional coordination. With more than 15 years of business development and market-entry experience, she aligns people, partners and delivery systems so new initiatives have the practical support to take shape.
Tyler Weiss
Chief Industry Strategist
As Chief Industry Strategist, Tyler leads CEA’s industry conversations and helps shape partnerships that connect programming with professional production. A visual effects producer with more than 15 years of experience, his credits include Game of Thrones, Moon Knight and 3 Body Problem.
Matthew Holdenried
Chief Marketing Officer
Matthew leads how CEA communicates its programs, people and creative work, bringing a background in video game marketing and editorial production. His agency work includes Crysis 3 trailers with EA Marketing; at Waterproof Studios, his credits include directing cinematics for XCOM 2 and layout and virtual camera work for Injustice 2.
Bhanu Vashishth
Chief Growth Officer, Recruitment & Partnerships
Bhanu connects CEA’s programs with prospective students, recruitment networks and institutional partners across international markets, with an initial focus on Saudi Arabia. He brings more than 26 years of international education experience to recruitment, market development and the relationships that support CEA’s growth.
Felix Wong
Chief Financial Officer
Felix oversees the financial planning and operational discipline that support CEA’s educational work and growth. A CPA and CGA with expertise in finance, reporting and strategic planning, he helps align resources with institutional priorities, supporting continuity and responsible decisions as new opportunities develop.
THE CEA METHOD
Elevate the artist.Innovate the method.Empower the industry.
02 / ACADEMICS
Experience, shared.
Michael Bradbury
Vice President of Academics
Michael specializes in gaming education, curriculum design and digital transformational learning. As the first Unreal Authorized Instructor in the UAE, he connects industry, government and education, building teaching systems that support faculty and align academic quality with production needs.
Gary Tibbett
Director of Esports Programs
Gary has more than a decade of video game and esports experience and helped develop the world’s first accredited esports qualification. At CEA, he builds institutional and industry partnerships, treating esports as a training ground for teamwork, broadcast literacy and inclusive careers.
Sean Lynch
Senior VP of Technology
Sean brings a Master’s in Computational Media Design, bridging computer science and fine arts. An educator and researcher, he has taught programming and game design, helping CEA students explore experimental interfaces, complex systems and new modes of play.
Subhadarshi Tripathy
Director of Film Programs
Subhadarshi brings more than 20 years of media and entertainment experience building global content platforms. His work spans international formats, animation and award-winning media; in the classroom, he offers practical guidance on story, audience and production judgment.
Siddharth Roy
Associate Director of Film Programs
Siddharth brings more than two decades of experience across performance, content development, media education, international cinema and television. At CEA, he guides students through story, performance and collaboration, developing work that can connect across cultures and audiences.
LET’S BUILD WHAT’S NEXT