Tara Saunders

Tara Saunders is a seasoned leader in the gaming industry, with 24 years of experience at Sony Interactive Entertainment, including her role as Co-Studio Head at PlayStation London Studio. Her deep understanding of game development has been instrumental in understanding the needs of the people who make games, enabling her to shape innovative titles. Tara thrives on creating cultures within businesses that make a huge impact and drive meaningful change. Passionate about fostering environments where people can excel, she has dedicated her career to making a difference by cultivating inclusive, creative and collaborative workplaces.

As the recent founder and Director of Co-Collaborate, a consultancy and coaching company, Tara’s delievering on her ambition to work closely with leaders in the creative industries, leveraging her deep expertise in games and a profound understanding of the challenges that large creative teams can face. Her mission is to help organisations build strong, positive cultures that empower individuals and drive business success.

During her time at PlayStation London Studio, Tara played a key role in shaping the artistic vision of groundbreaking titles such as Wonderbook, EyePet, Singstar, and The Getaway. In various roles from Character Animator to later becoming Art Director, her creative expertise were instrumental in bringing these innovative games to life. Later, as Studio Head, Tara was jointly responsible for a team of over a hundred people, playing a pivotal role in driving the studio’s direction and fostering a collaborative environment that fueled creativity. Her leadership was key in transitioning teams across new projects and maintaining high employee satisfaction, contributing to her reputation as an accomplished leader in the games industry.

Beyond her professional achievements, Tara is a dedicated mentor and industry advisor. She actively participates in initiatives that assist underrepresented groups and career starters, helping to open doors for the next generation of talent and ensuring that the games industry remains a place of opportunity and innovation for all.