It is with tremendous sorrow that ETCentric reports the passing of our good friend, colleague and adviser Bob Lambert.
Bob was a gentle guiding hand in a wide range of industry initiatives and a personal friend to the ETC where he served as chairman emeritus. He was instrumental in getting ETCentric off the ground.
“Bob was one of the most respected technology executives in the media and entertainment business,” comments Ken Williams, executive director and CEO of the ETC.
“Always generous with his time, Bob took a special interest in the Entertainment Technology Center @ USC, serving in numerous capacities, including most recently chief strategic and technology officer,” Ken explains. “Bob’s long service to the ETC was recognized by his being named chairman emeritus in 2010. His friendship and tremendous insight will be greatly missed.”
Bob was a thought leader whose work spanned all platforms, from cinema and television to online and mobile. He played a central role in the development of computer animated feature films and in the transition from film to digital cinema exhibition.
As a senior technology strategist at Disney for 25 years, Bob led the charge in strategic planning, intellectual property, patent strategy, standards and regulatory issues, and talent recruitment.
“I feel blessed to have called Bob a close friend and colleague,” says David Wertheimer, president of digital at Fox and former CEO of the ETC. “He was not only the ‘Father of Digital Cinema’ as we know it today, but he was the ‘Godfather of the Entertainment Technology Center,’ and was one of the most widely respected and genuinely liked people I have ever known.”
Bob was a SMPTE fellow and active member of the AMPAS Science & Technology Council. He served on the board of directors for numerous universities, start-up ventures and non-profits in addition to serving as a judge for the Collegiate Inventors Awards and the ATAS Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards.
“Bob always cared more about people than himself, and he had a rare talent for helping people see through the challenges of the present and focus on the horizon,” David adds. “I know that the world of tomorrow will be a better place for having had Bob with us.”
The team at ETCentric will miss his generous spirit, insight, guidance and good humor. When thinking of Bob’s passion regarding innovation, we’ll remember his line from a letter he wrote about Steve Jobs last year: “When you see something inventive this week, celebrate it. There’s a little of that Jobs spirit in all of us, insisting there’s always a better way to do things. Tip your hat to the folks in your world who help make that happen.”
It is with tremendous sorrow that ETCentric reports the passing of our good friend, colleague and adviser Bob Lambert.
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