WaterBear names Sutaria co-CEO in rejig as environmental streamer ups game

Environmental streaming service WaterBear Network has promoted Sam Sutaria to the role of co-CEO among several key leadership appointments.

Sam Sutaria

Sutaria, who was previously VP of strategy and business development, temporarily takes the co-CEO role alongside company founder Ellen Windemuth. At the end of the year, Windemuth will transition out of the co-CEO role to focus on strategy, original productions, investor relations and funding, with Sutaria becoming CEO.

Windemuth called Sutaria a “trusted leader” within the company and said he is uniquely placed to take WaterBear to the next level.

In addition, WaterBear has promoted Poppy Mason-Watts, previously VP of marketing and communications, as chief growth and impact officer, and named Louis Botha chief financial officer. WaterBear said its C-suite team will continue to work closely with its VPs Oliver Taprogge, Helder Granja, Josh Blau, Alba Vega Mulet and Justin Steel.

The company has also hired former Deloitte exec Jonny Siskind as VP of business operations.

The streamer, which is available in 194 countries, said the moves will support its growth and “accelerate the implementation of its value creation initiatives across storytelling and impact.”

Officially launched in 2020, WaterBear explores environment-related issues and produces content spanning biodiversity, community, circularity, climate action and sustainable fashion. It was founded in 2018 by Windemuth, who is also the founder of European producer and distributor Off the Fence.