The recipients of the 2013 Vanguard Awards, to be handed out at this year’s Cable Show, include several high-profile technology leaders, including William Goetz of Time Warner Cable, and William Stemper and John Schanz, both of Comcast.
Nancy Dubuc, president, entertainment & media, A+E Networks, and Patrick Esser, president, Cox Communications, are the recipients of the cable industry’s top honor, the Vanguard Award for Distinguished Leadership, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) announced.
Since September of 2012, Dubuc has managed all content creation, brand development and marketing for the entire A+E Networks portfolio, including A&E Network, Lifetimeand History. She also oversees A+E Networks’ International and Digital divisions. Prior to that, , she was President and general manager of History and Lifetime Networks.
Esser has been Cox’s top executive since 2006. He joined the company in 1979 as director of programming in Hampton Roads, Va., and was part of the original management team that pioneered Cox’s advertising sales division now known as Cox Media. Esser is also a member of the board of directors of NCTA, serving as chairman from 2010 to 2012. In 2009, he was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame.
Stemper and Goetz will both receive a Vanguard Award Cable Operations Management.
Goetz, executive VP and chief operating officer, residential services, Time Warner Cable, is a 30-year veteran in the business. Currently he is responsible for operations of the company’s $18 billion residential services business, including marketing, sales, customer care and technical operations. Prior to his current appointment in January 2013, Goetz served as executive vice president of operations for the company’s West Region, a position he assumed in 2009. He spent the beginning of his career at Comcast.
Stemper, who also has 30 years of cable industry experience, is president of Comcast Business Services, which provides businesses of all sizes with advanced telecommunications solutions, including Internet, Ethernet, voice, video, and other value-added products and services. During his tenure in that position, the division’s revenue has consistently increased 40- to 50 percent a year, from $265 million in 2006 to $1.8 billion at the end of 2011. He previously served as vice president of Cox Business Services for Cox Communications in Atlanta.
The Science & Technology Vanguard recipient is Schanz, currently executive VP and chief network officer, Comcast Cable. Schanz oversees national engineering for network and systems operations for the company’s video, high-speed Internet and voice cable services for both residential customers and businesses. He managed the introduction of Xfinity products, which are now delivered over one converged, fiber-rich network. Prior to joining Comcast in 2006, he served as executive vice president of network and data center operations for America Online (AOL).
Edward Carroll, chief operating officer, AMC Networks, is the recipient of the Vanguard for Programming. Carroll has overseen the development of some of television’s most successful series, including: Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Bridezillas, Inside the Actors Studio and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. As chief operating officer of AMC Networks Inc. since January 2009, he has operating responsibility for AMC Networks’ national entertainment brands AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and WE tv.
The Government & Community Relations will be bestowed on Ellen East, executive VP and chief communications officer, Time Warner Cable. East provides strategic counsel on companywide public relations, corporate communications and industry affairs. She also oversees a staff responsible for national media relations, issues management, product communication, public policy communication, employee and leadership communication, community relations and corporate philanthropy. East joined Time Warner Cable in October 2007 from Cox Communications, where she served as vice president, communications and public affairs.
Henry Ahn, executive VP, content distribution & marketing, Scripps Networks Interactive, will receive the Vanguard for Marketing. Ahn is responsible for the distribution strategy for Scripps’ portfolio of lifestyle networks – HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and Great American Country (GAC) – and related content across all platforms. Ahn also serves as a member of Scripps’ management committee and diversity council.
The Vanguard for Associates & Affiliates recognizes the contributions of equipment manufacturers and service suppliers to cable industry innovation, growth and progress. This year’s honoree is Tim Baxter, president, Samsung Electronics America.
The Young Leadership award will go to David Preschlack, executive VP, affiliate sales & marketing, Disney & ESPN Networks. Preschlack oversees all aspects of domestic distribution of Disney and ESPN’s cable and satellite networks, which include: ABC News Now, ABC Family, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3, ESPNU as well as all associated HD simulcast services. He also handles the retransmission consent agreements for The Walt Disney Company’s ten owned ABC stations as well as the distribution of company’s advanced products and services, such as video on demand and interactive television services.
The 2013 Vanguard Awards will be presented on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at a reception and awards ceremony during The Cable Show 2013 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
Inaugurated in 1965, the Vanguard Awards are presented annually to individuals who excel in both business and personal commitment to their colleagues, and whose accomplishments merit the recognition of the entire cable industry.
