Kathy Mandato

Kathy Mandato

Chief People Officer

Kathy is the Chief People Officer for XPRIZE. In her more than 25 years of experience in human resources leadership, operations, marketing and communications, she is known for being a strong business and operating partner who has built successful cultures and elevated talent. Before joining XPRIZE, Kathy had her own consulting practice, advising companies in technology and entertainment. During her career, Kathy has worked for some of the most iconic brands and people in the entertainment and technology world. She was CHRO for companies including Warner Media Entertainment and Direct-to-Consumer helping launch HBOMax; Snapchat; NBC Entertainment and Universal Television Studio where she also ran HR Shared Services for NBCUniversal; and most recently, acting CHRO for Meow Wolf, an immersive arts and entertainment company that builds large-scale exhibitions.

 

Kathy has also served as CHRO for Comcast Entertainment Group which included E! Entertainment Television, Style, G4, Comcast International Media Group, and E! Online. And was the head of HR for DreamWorks SKG and part of the team that took the animation division public in 2004.

Kathy began her career in advertising account management and business development with agencies including BBDO Worldwide where she served as Vice President, New Business Development and Communications for its Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta offices. 

She is a certified Executive Coach and has her certificate in Advanced Investigation and Employee Relations from Cornell University, ILR School. Kathy is also on the Advisory Board for Varo Money, a full-service neobank based in San Francisco. 

Her undergraduate degree is in Journalism/Mass Communications and Public Relations from Kansas State University. Kathy lives in Los Angeles.