Cinesite appoints former LAIKA senior exec Bradley Wald as Animation COO
As reported by Cartoon Brew, Broadcast Magazine & Skwigly we’re delighted to announce the appointment of Bradley Wald as Chief Operating Officer for animation at Cinesite. Currently based in Los Angeles Wald reports to our Group CEO Antony Hunt and the board of directors.
Wald will operate as part of Cinesite’s senior leadership team and brings over 25 years of senior-level experience to the newly created role which stretches across our international animation operations in Vancouver, Montreal and London. Wald will be responsible for leading Cinesite’s animation business operations as we continue to grow our roster of animated feature films and series while also cultivating a broad range of growth opportunities.
Commenting on Wald’s appointment Antony Hunt, Cinesite Group CEO said “As the former CFO and SVP of Operations at LAIKA, and prior to that the Chief Commercial Officer for NBCUniversal’s international TV production business in London, Brad has far-reaching, high-level business expertise, vast international experience, sensitivity to the creative process, and wise governance that will be invaluable to our ongoing evolution. Brad’s appointment is testament to the maturity and volume of animation work being created within the Cinesite group.”
“I am honored and excited to join Cinesite at such an electrifying time in the animation business as we continue collaborating with incredible filmmakers on commercial films and series with global appeal,” added Wald. “There is a lot of momentum around Cinesite and I’m taking on this new role knowing how well-positioned the studio is for continued success.”
Wald’s career highlights include managing the release of LAIKA’s award-winning feature films: Kubo & the Two Strings and Missing Link, as well as growing brand extensions and commercial opportunities through live exhibitions, consumer products and planning its move into tv adaptation, whilst developing the studio’s social media presence.
He also managed NBCU’s highly successful brand and commercial activities surrounding Downton Abbey via distribution, home entertainment as well as other ancillary revenue streams including a LIMA Award-winning consumer products portfolio, and other apps and games. Mr. Wald previously was SVP and Managing Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa, at Comcast International Media Group, where he led a team which developed and distributed E! and other Comcast television brands throughout the region, running all aspects of sales, business development, marketing and finance.
Brad’s appointment coincides with our decision to embrace and facilitate remote working permanently. Cinesite’s London HQ, Montreal and Vancouver studios will provide an optimal remote work set up while making the office easily accessible to employees wishing to make use of it. The decision was based on employee feedback and our ability to set up secure remote and cloud-based technologies. Flexibility and autonomy are key elements of hybrid working for Cinesite with crew structuring their daily tasks in a work-from-home environment, delivering high-quality work, and embracing the shifts spurred by the pandemic.
Welcome to the team Brad!
