Eric Roth to Retire as Long-Term Executive Director of the Visual Effects Community

Eric Roth, longtime CEO of Society for Visual Effects, is retiring on September 30 after nearly 19 years of work.

In a letter announcing his retirement, he said, “At this time of my life, with some major health issues on my mind, I look forward to spending more time with my family, traveling and moving on to the next chapter” (read below). ). “I’ll be 65 in a few weeks, and now that we’re celebrating the community’s 25th anniversary, it looks like a good time to move forward and find the next leader to push us forward.”

Founded in 1997, the Visual Effects Society is an honorary society with 4,400 members in 45 countries dedicated to the arts, sciences and use of visual effects. For the past 20 years it has held the annual VES Awards for painting and innovation in film, animation, television, commercials, video games and specialty venues.

“We are particularly proud and fortunate to have a leader of Eric’s caliber with the passion, integrity, vision and unparalleled skills necessary to drive this dynamic organization forward,” said Lisa Cook, President of VES. “As a colleague and friend, Eric is an employee, mentor, and fan you always look forward to working with. Eric has done transformative work to transform this rich global community and has left a great legacy for us to move forward. Cook and the VES board of directors formed a search committee to find Roth’s successor.

Here is Roth’s letter about his future retirement:

Dear friends and colleagues –

I have had the privilege of serving as CEO of VES for nearly 19 years. It has been truly an honor and the pinnacle of my professional career to work with all of you, our outstanding volunteer leaders who serve on the board to represent our members around the world, and of course the six Presidents. And now, with mixed feelings, I am announcing my retirement from September 30 of this year.

At this time of my life, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family, traveling and moving on to the next chapter as I am focusing on some health issues. I’ll be 65 in a few weeks (time flies, of course!) and as we’re celebrating the community’s 25th anniversary, it looks like a good time to move forward and bring in a future leader. It will take us forward.

Indeed, my time with VES was filled with pride and achievement: five years ago we published our award-winning VFX Voice magazine and created three editions of the VES Visual Effects Manual, built over 20 years from our amazing VES. Awards. The show featured our annual VES Honors and Hall of Fame program, providing us with a strong roster of top programming and online content.

But beyond that, we have created a “voice” for our industry and society over the years with common goals. Although we are a dignified society, we find our strength when we bring industry leaders together on vital issues or present important white papers on the state of the industry or the latest technologies. And the industry really pays attention when we announce the annual winners of our amazing VES awards program! After all, I believe VFX is the strong heart of the global entertainment industry, and if you want the best visuals in your show, who wouldn’t? – You want to become familiar with VES.

We are an organization working on “volunteering passion”. Many exceptionally talented people have voluntarily given up serving VES at night and on weekends over the years. I and the public know that we can never fully pay or accept everything he has done. Know that you are truly appreciated for all your contributions, felt deeply. In fact, our volunteer committees continue to do vital work for our members and the global VFX community, including creating industry-leading mental health benefits, educational programs, diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives, technology projects and video files. And the upcoming Digital VFX Museum and special opportunities to promote education and professional development.

Honestly, the achievement that really stands out for me is the tremendous growth in VES membership and the success in achieving… in a cohesive global community. In other words, we are truly global now. When I took this position there were 750 of us, mostly in California; We currently have more than 4,400 members in 45 countries and 14 chapters worldwide. I proudly view our global expansion and impact as the most important part of the legacy I leave behind.

This summer, as I continue to raise the profile and recognition of VES and the industry, I will also work with all of you to pave the way for a leader who will replace me and always take VES to new heights. The executive committee of the board, chaired by Lisa Cook, has set up a research committee that will soon begin the process of choosing the next CEO. I know they will share more with you as this effort develops.

Finally, it has been my greatest honor to serve as your CEO for nearly two decades. Thank you for giving me this responsibility. I’m so grateful you can’t understand. Also, thank you for your leadership and integrity, support and friendship, and I look forward to hearing great news for VES! my best.

plum roth