18. A Man of Insight

Michael Willner
Title: CEO, Insight Communications
Age: 54

Why him? Michael Willner is just one of those guys in the industry with influence to spare. He doesn’t run the biggest MSO or get the kind of attention of a Brian Roberts or a Glenn Britt. But year after year, Willner proves his competence as a manager (not to mention his accessibility to trade hacks everywhere). Call Willner’s office and he just might pick up and answer questions… (get this) honestly. This integrity is the reason Willner didn’t run and hide when a high-speed data outage in May reportedly left thousands of Insight’s 417,000 or so broadband customers in its KY, IL and IN footprint without Internet service. Willner apologized, worked the message boards and engaged his customers with a refreshing amount of humility. If all CEOs showed the same willingness to make things right when they inevitably go wrong, the world would be a better place. Add the operational expertise of COO Dinni Jain, and Insight's future continues to shine. - MG

Click here to return to the 2006 CFAX 100 List