WaterBear Network Shakes Up Executive Leadership Team

WaterBear Network has revealed changes to its executive leadership team, including Sam Sutaria’s appointment as co-chief executive officer, alongside company founder Ellen Windemuth.

“Sam and I have worked closely together for nearly five years,” said Windemuth. “He has been a trusted leader within the WaterBear team, and I am excited to welcome him as co-CEO. With a background spanning commercial strategy, fundraising, nonprofit work and media, Sam is uniquely placed to take WaterBear to the next level. I could not be happier for his promotion and this next phase of our partnership.”

Sutaria, who has been with WaterBear since before its launch and was its first employee, previously held the position of VP of strategy and business development, overseeing company strategy and revenue growth. At year-end, Windemuth will transition into her role as founder of WaterBear and will continue to focus on company strategy, original productions, investor relations and fundraising. From 2023, Sutaria will take on the full responsibilities of CEO.

WaterBear Network further announced that Poppy Mason-Watts has been named chief growth and impact officer. Company director Mason-Watts, who most recently served as VP of marketing and communications, will be responsible for WaterBear’s community growth and retention strategy, impact campaigns, content production and marketing. Louis Botha has been named chief financial officer. The third company director, Botha will focus on investor relations and oversee the company’s financial operations in this new role. Both Botha and Mason-Watts have been with WaterBear since before the company’s launch, working closely with Sutaria to drive the business strategy and growth forwards day-to-day.

The C Suite team will continue to work closely with WaterBear VPs Oliver Taprogge, Helder Granja, Josh Blau, Alba Vega Mulet and Justin Steel.

New to the team is Jonny Siskind, who is joining as VP of business operations after ten years at Deloitte. At WaterBear, Siskind will focus on implementing the overall business operations day to day to achieve corporate goals while ensuring an excellent employee experience.

Sutaria said, “As we look to the future of the company, I know these changes within our leadership team will bring new perspectives and experiences that will help accelerate our continued growth and deliver even greater impact for all of WaterBear’s growing community and many stakeholders.”