Meet the People Behind the Work

Jonathon Aubry is a strategic architect of cultural partnerships and brand experiences at the intersection of entertainment, hospitality, luxury and philanthropy.

As Founder and CEO of A&CO (which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year), he advises world-leading brands, media companies, and prestigious nonprofit organizations on partnership strategy, audience development, and revenue growth. Over 25 years, Jonathon has driven more than $1 billion in revenue and helped shape how leading institutions engage audiences and build cultural relevance.

A&CO's current portfolio reflects Jonathon's distinctive approach to strategic partnership and cultural intelligence. The firm has contributed to transformational fundraising campaigns, including the Academy Museum's $400 million capital campaign and the launch of its $500 million endowment initiative, as well as the Entertainment Community Fund's $160 million comprehensive campaign. A&CO works with premier clients including Delta Air Lines, LAIKA Studios, Apple TV+, The Hollywood Reporter, BAFTA North America, Sierra Club, AltaSea, Women in Film, and amfAR—helping them architect authentic brand partnerships, evolve marketing strategies, and build sustainable revenue models that align business objectives with cultural impact.

Previously, as Senior Vice President of Brand Partnerships at The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard, Jonathon played a pivotal role in relaunching both iconic brands and led business development across their integrated platforms—driving luxury and premium brand partnerships across digital, experiential, branded content, and print.

Earlier in his career, Jonathon served as Vice President & Publisher of The Advocate Group at Here Media Inc., where he transformed the brand's commercial strategy and partnership approach across all platforms. As Vice President of Marketing and Distribution at Regent Releasing, he oversaw theatrical campaigns for over 35 independent films, including the company's first Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film, Departures.

Jonathon began his career in nonprofit leadership as Director of Development at OUTFEST in Los Angeles, where he increased organizational revenue by 40% year-over-year through innovative individual, corporate, and foundation fundraising strategies.

A Toledo, Ohio native, Jonathon earned his BA in English and Film Studies from Macalester College, graduating Magna Cum Laude and being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He serves on the board of the Provincetown Film Society, where he co-chairs the Campaign Committee for a comprehensive $10 million fundraising campaign, and previously served on the boards of OUTFEST and Awakening Recovery. He lives in Los Angeles with his husband Abdi and their twins, Rumi and Evora.

Amy Kestel approaches everything she does as a leader at A&CO through the lens of organic storytelling. Her goal is to align unique opportunities with the goals of strategic brand partners.

As a former client at a high profile brand, Amy is intrinsically able to assess the potential of authentic relationships and how to create them.

Amy spent 10 years at American Airlines in a variety of strategic marketing roles for the AAdvantage®, AA.com, Strategic Alliances, and Integrated Marketing teams. As Director of Global Strategic Sponsorships & Promotions, she led American Airlines' Media & Entertainment marketing strategy, including targeted awards season partnerships. She brings a client-side perspective to the work that authentically guides conversations between brands and sponsor opportunities.

Amy is passionate about giving and is privileged to support many philanthropic organizations both personally and professionally. She led American Airlines' diversity partnership strategy with advocacy organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and UNCF.

Amy values family and friends above all else. She splits time between California and Texas with her husband and rescue dog, Beignet.