Lewis “Lew” Rothman, an entertainment executive who held top jobs at the Weinstein Company and Strategy PR, died suddenly at his home in East Hampton on Dec. 22. He was 63.
Rothman is remembered for his smarts, honesty, humor, colorful language, movie star looks and an attitude and accent that betrayed his Queens roots. Beginning in 2006, Rothman served as chief technology officer at the Weinstein Company, the indie studio behind “The King’s Speech” and “The Artist.” He worked there for a decade and later moved to Strategy, one of the preeminent awards consultancy firms, in 2016. In the early 1990s, Rothman and his wife, Serina Mayer, started a new media consultancy, Vibemaster, Inc., which worked to develop ties and expand business opportunities between entertainment and technology companies. He was instrumental in developing the first online commercial casting company, CASTNET, and later served as the chief technology officer for Atomic Pop, the first online record label.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Rothman was a watch collector, food connoisseur, devoted family man and a lover of dogs, especially his dachshund of 18 years, Bubu, and his grand-dog Champ. At his East Hampton home, he built furniture by hand and collaborated on sculptures with his wife.
Rothman is survived by his wife of 33 years, Serina; daughter Raella; sisters Barbara Kreiger and Cheryl Ann Krane; extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of Rothman’s life will take place at The Jewish Center of the Hamptons on Jan. 5 at 9:30 a.m. Donations may be made in Rothman’s memory to the following organizations: HIAS or The Art Barge.