Meet The Team

Tim Pugh has a background in leadership roles across premium manufacturing and distribution businesses, providing technical products to specialist markets via strong international partner networks. Prior to joining Cooke, he was CEO of James Briggs Ltd, a leading manufacturer of technical products for industrial and automotive markets. Through Tim’s leadership, Cooke has focussed on manufacturing excellence and long-term customer relationships as well as expansion into new markets.

Simon is a Chartered Accountant with 30 years of experience in a range of finance roles. He has worked in several industry sectors, including retail, manufacturing, professional services and agribusiness. Having joined Cooke in 2023, Simon leads the finance team. He focuses on modernising the finance function, developing individuals and building strong relationships with the rest of the business.

Chris joined Cooke after managing several divisional groups at Nikon in operational and engineering disciplines within the industrial metrology business in the UK, Europe and USA. Highly experienced in technically challenging manufacturing and development environments, with a demonstrated history of continuous improvement programmes implementations and human resource development programmes. Chris is currently engaged in improvement programmes at Cooke encompassing in-house NPI, glass manufacturing, lens assembly as well as strategic procurement initiatives, leveraging the benefits of global supply chain opportunities.

Thomas graduated with a degree in Electro-mechanics in Berlin, Germany, before moving to the USA in various capacities for a German camera manufacturer. Before joining Cooke, he spent several years as international sales manager for post-production, 3D and lens products at the exclusive Cooke distributor at a time, ZGC Inc., for the Americas. Since joining Cooke in 2014, he managed all sales activities in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Australasia, before being promoted to lead the worldwide sales team as Director of Global Sales.

Danny joined Cooke after a career in high-end consumer electronics at Bowers & Wilkins and KEF. He has extensive experience in brand management and planning, working closely with customers and Cooke’s sales team. The Cooke marketing team has undertaken a substantial re-fresh of the brand identity and digital presence as well successfully launching the SP3 product into the mirrorless camera segment.

Daniela has nearly 20 years of experience in product management in optics, acquired at Leitz and Schneider Optics cine lens businesses. She ran R&D programs for lenses as well as optical filters and coatings. At Cooke, Daniela works on the development, planning and implementation of the product roadmap, leading the development team and overseeing product management. She is also responsible for the future product roadmap and strategy.

Jordan joined Cooke in 2024 to build the new Cooke Digital division that focuses on the intersection of cinematography and multiple digital mediums. He brings over 25 years’ experience in vfx, animation, virtual production, and software development for artists and enterprise creative businesses. Through the Digital division Jordan and team will bring together cinematographers, animation, vfx and game professionals in a community focused on their shared love of their storytelling craft and provide them the next generation of tools to empower their collaboration.

Christine began her career in the industry over two decades ago, joining ZGC Inc., the original Cooke reseller in the Americas. She was a key member of the team, selling professional film and digital equipment including cameras, lenses and pro camera accessories. Christine is known for her excellence in customer support, with a track record of building strong and lasting client relationships. In 2019 she was promoted to Vice President of Sales at Cooke Americas and currently holds the position of Director of Sales at Cooke Optics Inc, Cooke’s Americas business unit.

Carey’s voyage with Cooke started in the classic film-way. Born into imagery through his father’s photography career (Duffy), Carey became a runner aged 16 and developed his muster running between viewing screens armed with heavy cans of film. Career progression was unionised, and Carey was sponsored for apprenticeship, becoming assistant director at leading Soho production house, Lewin & Matthews. A keen user of Cooke lenses, Carey then created his own filter company – South London Filters – before moving to Hollywood legends Tiffen, and finally to Cooke in 2015. Carey spearheads Cooke’s relationships with cinematographers.

Chris D’Anna has a rich background in film and optics. He studied cinematography at CSUN, filmed several independent projects, served as Marketing Manager at Schneider-Kreuznach, and founded Golden Age Lab, a boutique filter company. As General Manager of our Burbank Creative Centre, he educates and supports cinematographers, production companies, creatives, and students about cine lens solutions.

After completing his university studies, Craig began his professional career as a freelance gaffer and director of photography for regional and national commercial production campaigns for several of the largest advertising agencies in the US market. Over the next phase of his career, he transitioned into management of studio complexes and of equipment rental facilities. Craig draws upon his experience of working closely with customers, crew and manufacturers for his current role as Technical Sales Manager for Cooke Optics in the North America, Canada and sections of the South America.

Jaimie studied mechanical engineering and started his career at Cooke as a lens technician. Part of his early career was spent working closely with the design team building prototypes of new products. Jaimie left Cooke and relocated to London to work for Optical Support, camera stabilising and lens specialists. Here, he joined their optical team repairing a range of high-end cine lenses. Jamie returned to Cooke after 2 years in London as Anamorphic Production Manager. He has since taken his years of technical lens knowledge and understanding and transferred to the sales team, where he looks after our European partners, fostering strong relationships with members of the industry.

Peter Dorai grew up in Ooty, a town in India which is a hot spot for film shoots and a home to a celluloid factory. In 1993 Peter began his industry career by graduating from one of the oldest film schools in India – FTIT Chennai. He spent time working as a cameraman on music videos, commercials and corporate films. In 2008, Peter spent time in sales and as a technical consultant, working closely with DP’s and rental houses in the Middle East and Africa. Peter has been with Cooke since 2022 as Sales Director for this region.

Anson Gil Mercado has been involved in the China cinema industry for over 16 years and is fluent in both English and Chinese. At the peak of Chinese cinema expansion, he served as General Manager to SIM International China Equipment Rental, following with a 3-year stint as a producer in China for high end TV commercials with The Sweetshop. As General Manager for Cooke Optics Beijing Creative Centre, his focus has been overseeing Cooke’s overall growth in the China market, supporting cinematographers, productions, creatives, students and many more.