Who We Are

Who We Are

We aspire to bring joy to people’s lives through the work of our talented creators. Since 1970, AMU has honed an uncanny ability to tap into the zeitgeist of popular culture to nurture and share the fresh, new voices that resonate with their generation and remain relevant for years to come. While other companies try to mitigate surprises, we anticipate disruption and embrace change. Our growth and forward momentum come from taking creative risks and finding new ways to share the unique and powerful messages of our creators with the world.

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OUR DIFFERENCE

Mission

We are an inclusive partner and home to a first-class roster of distinctive and powerful cartoonists, artists, writers, illustrators, game makers and storytellers. We work with groundbreaking talent to develop iconic brands and engage audiences around the world across multiple platforms: global publishing, syndication, filmed entertainment and interactive experiences.

Vision

We believe in the power of universal messages of truth, humor, and hope to build connections and enrich lives. For more than 50 years, we’ve been committed to welcoming and amplifying diverse voices that entertain and unite audiences, communities and cultures.

Brand Promise

We embrace a “creator first” approach that guides all stages of nurturing artistic careers. We build long-term relationships by respecting creators as the source and inspiration for all their work. We stand for free speech as an organization as long as the work is not based in hate or incites violence.

OUR GENESIS

Jim Andrews and John McMeel
AMU founders Jim Andrews and John McMeel.

Our story begins with the dynamic partnership of Jim Andrews and John McMeel, two charismatic innovators who challenged convention to give voice to the groundbreaking comic storytellers and cultural commentators of their day.

Jim and John joined forces in 1970 with a bold vision, a progressive business philosophy and a steadfast commitment to the artistic goals of each creator. Their enterprising vision and values continue to serve as the foundation of our corporate culture today.

View the Andrews McMeel Universal timeline

OUR COMMUNITY

Global Reach. Midwestern Roots.

In 1970, most creative media companies were headquartered in New York City or Los Angeles. Our founders chose Kansas City because they wanted to build a different kind of media company. Here, they discovered a rare combination of Midwestern graciousness, esprit de corps and genuine humility, along with an environment driven by competitive spirit and ambition. Our connection to the Kansas City community remains a critical part of our culture. It informs our values, imbues our personality and underscores our spirit of generosity.

Our corporate headquarters in the historic downtown Boley Building was voted “coolest office in Kansas City” by KC Magazine. AMU has also been named a Kansas City Business Journal Champion of Business three years running and was inducted into their Hall of Champions in 2020.

Community Investment

Our co-founders’ shared commitment to their community infused AMU with a spirit of generosity and philanthropy that continues to this day. In addition to our company’s investment in our community, associates share their time and talents to make a tangible impact through many charitable and civic activities. We’re serious about giving back, and we work to make a difference while sharing in some fun together.

Christmas in October

Co-founded by AMU’s John McMeel more than 35 years ago, this initiative has improved the lives of tens of thousands of elderly, disabled and veteran homeowners by rebuilding houses, lives and neighborhoods in the Kansas City area.

 

Children’s Literacy

Reading is not only a bedrock of our business, it is critical to the growth and success of our community and its people. AMU is committed to the improvement of children’s literacy rates in Kansas City through support of local literacy organizations, such as Turn the Page KC, Lead to Read and Little Free Library, through volunteerism, corporate sponsorships and in-kind donations.

OUR VALUES

We treat each other with kindness, honesty, dignity and respect. We genuinely care about the well-being and success of our colleagues, creators and business partners.

We bring inclusivity, accountability and passion to our work and embrace a can-do spirit and pride in what we accomplish.

We believe in the life-affirming power of creative expression and the unique talents of our creators. We value originality, authenticity, provocative humor and inspirational voices.

We take pride in our ability to cultivate and thrive in creative environments and bring fresh thinking to our work.

We admire and encourage individual abilities, efforts and ideas.

Yet, we are at our best when we work as a unified team that shares challenges, workload, credit and success.

We motivate and inspire one another. We lead by example. We demonstrate initiative, curiosity and courage. We take smart risks and are accountable for results.

We effect change, embrace new thinking and orchestrate outcomes. We are committed to growth.

Our Leadership

Hugh Andrews

Chairman

Kirsty Melville

CEO, Andrews McMeel Universal

President & Publisher, Andrews McMeel Publishing

Brent Bartram

President, Andrews McMeel Syndication

Les Hinmon

Chief Financial Officer

Nancy Miller

Chief Human Resources Officer

Fred Nelson

Chief Development Officer

Chris Waldron

Chief Digital Officer

Board of Directors

Hugh Andrews

Chairman

Jim Andrews

Director

Suzanne McMeel

Director

Bridget McMeel

AME Co-Founder and Executive Producer

Martha Nelson

Director

Jeffrey Rayport

Director

Jeffrey Belle

Director