Zenimax Media has announced that its Founder and CEO Robert A. Altman has passed away.
"We are deeply saddened to tell you of the passing of Robert A. Altman, our Founder and CEO. He was a true visionary, friend, and believer in the spirit of people and the power of what they could accomplish together. He was an extraordinary leader, and an even better human being."
We are deeply saddened to tell you of the passing of Robert A. Altman, our Founder and CEO. He was a true visionary, friend, and believer in the spirit of people and the power of what they could accomplish together. He was an extraordinary leader, and an even better human being. pic.twitter.com/FZFsVtHc5t
— Bethesda (@bethesda) February 4, 2021
About Robert A. Altman
As with some gaming executives, Altman didn't have roots in the industry. Rather, he was a lawyer in Washington D.C. for many years, representing companies in litigation involving private entities and the Federal government.
Altman founded Zenimax Media in 1999 with then-partner Christopher Weaver. Zenimax was specifically founded to serve as a holding company for Bethesda Softworks and had several other notable people on its board at the time including the late Robert Trump (brother of President Donald J. Trump) and MGM's Harry Sloan.
Bethesda Softworks had already had a measure of success with The Elder Scrolls franchise. It was, however, in dire financial straits and in need of some help. Zenimax stepping in helped lay the foundation for the 2002 release of The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind and the 2004 release of Fallout 3, both of which propelled the company's main gaming franchises into worldwide prominence.
Robert A. Altman is survived by his wife original Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter in 1984 and their two children, James and Jessica Altman. Most recently, the couple had celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary on January 29.