December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 3. Flash Dance Not: Glenn Britt

Glenn Britt
Title: CEO, Time Warner Cable
Last Year: #2
Age: 59
Education: Dartmouth, AB, Economics; Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth, MBA

Why Him? Britt isn’t flashy. He doesn’t make a fuss. Mostly he keeps his head down. If he were a rock star, we’re thinking more a brooding Kurt Cobain than a cocky Billy Idol. Britt simply cranks out the kind of performance and innovation competitors envy. How? Again, nothing flashy, just hard work and decisiveness. As others struggled with VOD, Britt greenlit the expansion of Start Over and Look Back, keeping subs from missing their favorite shows. Then he led the split from Time Warner Inc. While others bleed basic subs, Britt posted better-than-expected results in basic losses and broadband adds in Q3. Yes, Time Warner is ratcheting down earnings projections in Q4 and expecting a tough ’09 (like everyone else), but Time Warner Cable has the size and operational chutzpah to do better than DBS and hold its own against well-funded telcos. That’s in no small part because of Britt’s laser-beam focus on excellence and innovation.

Are You Free? Britt has led the charge against programmers making too many shows available free online. He wants subs to pay once for access on multiple platforms.

The Year Ahead:
Britt’s expecting a slower Q4. CFO Robert Marcus has said a 10% decline in RGU net adds wouldn’t surprise him.

Drink of Choice: Any wine

Favorite TV Show: Two and a Half Men

Last Book Read: Ike by Michael Korda

Trait I Most Admire in People: Ability to remain calm and focused amidst chaos

MG

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