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Silvergate Media Appoints Jeff Farnath CFO

Animation industry veteran previously held CFO positions at Walt Disney Studios Latin America, LAIKA Entertainment (formerly Vinton Studios), Classic Media, and Thrillist Media Group.

Silvergate Media’s preschool sensation, ‘Octonauts.’

LONDON -- International preschool TV production and licensing company Silvergate Media, based in London and New York, has appointed feature film and animation industry veteran Jeff Farnath as CFO.

Farnath has more than 20 years of experience with both large multinational media companies and small entrepreneurial start-ups. He previously held CFO positions at Walt Disney Studios Latin America, LAIKA Entertainment (formerly Vinton Studios) and Classic Media, and most recently served as CFO for VC-backed digital lifestyle brand Thrillist Media Group.

“I am delighted that someone of Jeff’s calibre is joining us. His eminent experience in film and television production, international distribution, licensing, digital publishing and e-commerce will be invaluable,” said Waheed Alli, CEO at Silvergate Media. “Jeff will play a key role as we invest in and widen the international reach of our creative content, build our production capabilities and look to widen our international reach.”

Farnath was Chief Financial Officer for Walt Disney Studios - Latin America for five years where he established direct distribution and local content production operations in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Chile. Farnath also held the position of CFO for Disney Feature Animation and Theatrical Productions in Burbank, California, spanning a total of 10 years at Disney.

After Disney, Farnath was CFO and then CEO of LAIKA Entertainment (formerly Vinton Studios), which produced the Oscar-nominated animated films Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride and Coraline. Farnath sold Vinton Studios in 2002, and remained at the studio as CEO until 2005.

Farnath was CFO for private equity backed Classic Media, owner of the largest independent library of children’s entertainment brands, including Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Lassie, The Lone Ranger and many other iconic properties. Farnath sold Classic Media to DreamWorks Animation for $155 million in 2012.

In April 2016, Shamrock acquired a majority stake in Silvergate to support its growth, in particular to expand Silvergate’s intellectual property, library rights and digital capabilities as well as its presence in China.

Source: Silvergate Media