Biography

Robert Kessel is Executive Vice President of Narrative Film at Participant where co-manages the development and production of the narrative films for the company.

Since joining Participant in 2013, Kessel has been integral in the production of the company's most commercially successful films to date -Wonder and Green Book - as an Executive Producer on the former and overseen production on both. Most recently he was an Executive Producer on the upcoming Todd Haynes film, Dark Waters, starring Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway. In addition to those films, Kessel also oversaw production on such Participant films as Spotlight, Deepwater Horizon, Beasts of No Nation and A Most Violent Year.

Prior to Participant, Kessel held executive posts at Matt Tolmach Productions, Overture Films, Hart Sharp Entertainment and Miramax Films.

Robert serves on the board of Students Run LA, a non-profit organization which trains over 3000 at-risk kids to run the LA Marathon each year and serves as an advisor for ReFrame Rise, an initiative of ReFrame, the parity organization run by Women in Film and Sundance Institute. He holds a B.A. in political science and film from Vassar College.
- IMDb mini biography by: Participant Official Site Bio

Robert Kessel is a seasoned entertainment executive with over three decades of experience in the industry. He served as Executive Vice President of Narrative Film at Participant, where he oversaw the development and production of the company's narrative films. Participant, which closed in 2024 after 20 years, was the leading independent studio, pioneering socially conscious storytelling and entertainment.

Joining Participant in 2013, Kessel has been instrumental in the production of the company's most commercially successful films, including "WONDER" and "GREEN BOOK," as an Executive Producer on the former and overseen production on both. Recently, he was an Executive Producer on Todd Haynes' critically acclaimed film "DARK WATERS," starring Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway, as well as "WHITE BIRD," starring Helen Mirren, "ROB PEACE," starring Mary J. Blige and Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Disney+'s adaptation of the best-selling book "OUT OF MIND," which won a Peabody, Television Academy Honor for Best Children's Film and a DGA Award.

Kessel's Executive Produced films include "THE WAVE" directed by Sebastian Lelio and "ELEANOR THE GREAT" directed by Scarlett Johansson. Additionally, he oversaw production on Participant films such as Oscar winner "SPOTLIGHT," "DEEPWATER HORIZON," "BEAST OF NO NATION," and "A MOST VIOLENT YEAR," among many others.

Prior to his involvement in Participant, Kessel held executive positions at various film production companies, including Sony Picture's Matt Tolmach Productions, Overture Films, Hart Sharp Entertainment, and Miramax Films.

Recently, Kessel has provided consulting services to Pepsi Content Studio, supporting their initiatives to develop content that leverages their intellectual property and promotes their diverse brands.

Kessel is a member of both the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science (AMPAS) and the Television Academy. He serves on the Board of Directors of Students Run LA, a non-profit organization that trains over 3,000 underserved children to participate in the Los Angeles Marathon annually. Additionally, he mentors women of color through Unlock Her Potential.

As an avid marathon runner, Kessel has completed over 47 marathons, including the prestigious Six Star Abbot World Major Marathon medal. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Film from Vassar College, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and with honors.
- IMDb mini biography by: Author