Bob Lambert Dies: Profound Contributions to Growth of Digital Media Technology

Bob Lambert, a former Walt Disney Company executive and trailblazer for the enhancement of digital media technology, passed away on Friday at the age of 55. While the situation surrounding his death remains undisclosed, Lambert's lasting impression on the digital media world will live on for decades to come. Here are just some examples of Lambert's impressive work and contributions.

Lambert was founder and chairman of Digital Cinema Initiatives LLC (DCI), a joint venture of six major motion picture studios that came together to establish a standard architecture for digital cinema systems. The confederation paved the way for over 40,000 movie theaters worldwide to transform from film to digital cinema.

Lambert served as senior executive of the Walt Disney Company for over 25 years, taking on the role of senior vice president of Worldwide Technology Strategy and Development. His "forward thinking" motivations led to award-winning digital transitions in film, television, gaming, social media, and more.  His hard work and dedication initiated the Walt Disney's successful collaboration with Pixar. Prior to his job at Disney, Lambert served as Paramount Picture's executive director of development.

Lambert held other significant titles within the Walt Disney Company, including serving as president of Technology Operations & Licensing and chairman of the interdivisional technology board. He also took on the responsibilities of senior tech executive in strategic planning, M&A diligence, intellectual property and patent strategy, inter-industry relations, standards and regulatory issues, and tech talent recruitment.

Before his death, Lambert was named Chairman Emeritus of the University of Southern California's Entertainment Technology Center.

Lambert, an alumnus of Virginia Tech, was named an Industry Pioneer by the ShoWest national film and television industry conference. He also received an Astrolabium Award from the International Electronic Cinema Festival.

Lambert was an avid supporter of start-up ventures and non-profit organizations, and held 30 domestic and international patents in media technologies as a digital media inventor.

The world of digital media mourns the loss of such an impactful innovator. Survived family members ask that in lieu of memorials or flowers, contributions in Lambert's name should be made to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.