Studio Babelsberg AG, part of the Cinespace Studios platform of production facilities, announces the appointment of Iris Oetter to the role of Chief Financial Officer, effective March 1, 2024. Iris Oetter joins with over 25 years of experience in finance, including more than 16 years in the film and media industry, and strong leadership skills that will actively support the studio’s long-term growth strategy. She will report to Studio Babelsberg CEO Andy Weltman and join the company’s Management Board, succeeding interim CFO Andre Bleeker.
Iris Oetter was a member of the senior leadership team overseeing Finance, Planning & Analysis for the Warner Bros. Discovery International business across Germany, Austria & Switzerland, including Theatrical & Original Production, Retail & Home Entertainment, TV Distribution, and Networks businesses. In her role, she was an integral finance and commercial business partner assessing strategic business decisions, including initiatives for growth, and new business opportunities amid the changing complexity of both Warner Bros. Discovery International and the broader Media industry. Iris Oetter is a certified business coach and has an audit and tax firm background. She also served as senior leader and Head of Internal Control Zone Western Europe the finance integration and consolidation of the German companies for Anheuser-Busch InBev.
Andy Weltman, CEO, Studio Babelsberg:
"We are thrilled to welcome Iris Oetter as our CFO. Her extensive experience will be instrumental in guiding Studio Babelsberg towards its future growth objectives and we are convinced she will play a pivotal role in contributing to our overall success. At the same time, we would like to thank Andre Bleeker for his contribution as interim CFO."
Iris Oetter:
"I am honored and excited to join a company with such a long-standing and successful history. I look forward to supporting the growth and development of Studio Babelsberg’s position as a leading player in film and television production."
Keith Gee, Co-Managing Partner & CFO, Cinespace Studios:
"Iris Oetter’s appointment highlights Cinespace’s commitment to establishing long-term seasoned German leadership for an iconic German business. We believe that Iris’ leadership will be instrumental, not only in achieving sustainable financial performance for Studio Babelsberg, but also establishing the leadership style and culture that we know will be required for Studio Babelsberg and Cinespace globally to achieve their shared aspiration to be the preeminent provider of studio infrastructure and support to creatives, empowering them to tell their stories. We are beyond excited about the possibilities her appointment brings and look forward to her many and varied contributions."
In 2023, Studio Babelsberg integrated with Cinespace Studios, a global production platform. Cinespace Studios is led by Co-Managing Partners Ashley Rice (President), Eoin Egan (COO), and Keith Gee (CFO).
About Cinespace Studios
Cinespace Studios, headquartered in Chicago, IL, is a best-in-class global platform of production facilities that supports content providers and their creatives. The platform is one of the largest sound stage operators globally with 109 active stages across Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, Wilmington, and Studio Babelsberg in Germany. Cinespace is home to productions that include Lionsgate’s THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES and JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4, HULU/FX’s Golden Globe-awarded THE BEAR, Dick Wolf’s ONE CHICAGO franchise, Guillermo Del Toro’s Academy Award Winner THE SHAPE OF WATER, UCP’s CHUCKY, MGM TV/Hulu’s THE HANDMAID'S TALE, Netflix’s STRANGER THINGS, Marvel Studios’ IRON MAN 3 and Amazon Studios’ THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY. CineCares, a division of the studio, has been established to support, promote, and engage local communities to support workforce development and crew diversity. For more information, visit www.cinespace.com.
