Silvergate Media has announced the promotion of Shelli Rottman to the dual executive position of Chief Diversity Officer and EVP of Business and Legal Affairs.
In her new role, Rottman will oversee Silvergate’s growing diversity and inclusion program that is guiding the company’s pledge to create a more equitable and welcoming working environment while, at the same time, amplifying fresh, diverse voices through mentorship and professional guidance. She will be based out of the company’s New York office.
Rottman has been with Silvergate Media since 2011, and over the past decade has played an invaluable role heading up the company’s Business and Legal Affairs team, supporting global licensing, content distribution, business development and production. Prior to joining Silvergate, Rottman served as in-house counsel in the entertainment, fashion and publishing industries, including at Chorion, Liz Claiborne (now Kate Spade) and Condé Nast.
The naming of its first Chief Diversity Officer is the latest indication of Silvergate’s ongoing commitment to magnify diverse voices throughout its creative slate. The company recently announced its investment in a new production ¡Vamos!, based upon the award-winning Spanish and English language work of Mexican-American author Raúl (González). Similar projects, with an emphasis on exploring different cultures and traditions, are also under consideration.
“I am thrilled to be able to make a meaningful impact in an area that is important to me,” said Rottman. “The overwhelming support for embracing new and emerging talent from different communities is clearly evident in the company’s philosophy and its substantial investment in new and exciting productions. This is an amazing opportunity to help promote and guide the next generation of diverse storytellers and their work.”
“With her unique outlook and industry expertise, Shelli is the perfect choice to lead our efforts in shaping a more diverse and inclusive company culture and to align those values with our overall business strategy,” said Waheed Alli, Chief Executive at Silvergate Media.
Silvergate Media is an award-winning media company developing world-class children’s brands with offices in London, New York and operations in China. The company’s award-winning productions include Octonauts, Peter Rabbit, Hilda and Chico Bon Bon: Monkey with a Tool Belt for Netflix, and Sunny Day for Nickelodeon. Its extensive development slate includes a number of commissions for new properties now in from partners such as Disney, Netflix and Tencent as well as producing a string of new content for hit shows Octonauts and Hilda.
