William Astor, who co-founded kids TV juggernaut Silvergate Media, has stepped down as the company’s chair.
Silvergate, which was acquired by Sony Pictures Television in 2019, quietly re-branded as Sony Pictures Television – Kids in 2022.
“I can confirm I am no longer associated with Sony and have resigned as director and chairman,” Astor told PvNew. He stepped down at the end of December.
Astor originally co-founded the company alongside well-known British television producer Waheed Alli back in 2011. It is best known for producing children’s animated franchises “Octonauts” — which has inspired films and theme park attractions across the world — and Nickelodeon animation “Peter Rabbit,” based on the classic children’s books by Beatrix Potter. It has also produced shows including “Hilda,” a Netflix animated series based on Luke Pearson’s graphic novels of the same name, and Nickelodeon’s “Sunny Day,” about the adventures of a young hair stylist.
Sony paid $195 million for the company five years ago, buying out Silvergate’s management as well as L.A.-based investment outfit Shamrock, who owned 51% of the business. Following the acquisition, Alli stayed on as CEO and Astor as chair.
Alli, who is the co-creator of “Survivor” and a member of the U.K.’s House of Lords, eventually stepped down in the summer of 2022 with longtime Disney Junior exec Joe D’Ambrosia appointed as EVP and general manager to oversee the business. D’Ambrosia, who is based in L.A., reports to chairman of global television studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment corporate development Ravi Ahuja.
