Charles Rivkin, CEO of the animation studio Wildbrain, has been tapped by President Obama to be the United States’ ambassador to France.
The move has prompted Rivkin to step down from his position at the studio, best known for creating the hit Nick series Yo Gabba Gabba! Rivkin served as Obama’s campaign finance co-chairman for Southern California during last fall’s election.
Replacing Rivkin as CEO is Michael Polis, who has served as the company’s chief marketing officer since 2007.
In addition to Gabba, which recently was picked up for a third season, Wildbrain is working on the animated Ricky Gervais Show and the puppet series Teen Smithereen.
Prior to joining Wildbrain, Polis worked under Rivkin at The Jim Henson Co. as VP of marketing and worked a stint in marketing at Universal Home Entertainment.
