December 12, 2007

East and (mid)West

Michael A. Doyle
Title: President, Comcast Cable Eastern Division and founder, CN8, The Comcast Network
Age: 53
Years in Industry: 31
Years left in Industry: “I don’t even think about it. I imagine I will always have something to do with our industry. I have fun and it’s a great and ever-changing challenge.”

Bill Connors
Title: President, Comcast Midwest Division
Age: 46
Years in Industry: 25
Years left in the industry: “It’s over when Ed McMahon knocks on my door with a large piece of cardboard in his hands.”

Why Them? The divisional leaders at all of the MSOs deserve recognition, but we’re going to let Connors and Doyle represent the pack this year. Why? For one thing, they are excellent managers who oversee millions of subs at the largest MSO in the U.S. But their particular divisions face specific challenges. Connors must ensure smooth integration of all of those acquired Insight subs into his Midwest territory. As the Adelphia acquisition taught us all, that’s not necessarily a walk in the park. Meanwhile, Doyle remains one of the highest profile divisional chiefs in cable, with a territory that literally occupies the front lines of the battle with Verizon’s FiOS. His legacy as the founder of CN8 also helps ensure his place among cable’s elite.  MG

Michael Doyle
What is your favorite word? “Wow”
What is your least favorite word? “Uh-oh”
What turns you on? “Positive, funny energy and people.”
What turns you off? “Greed”
What sound do you love? “The sound of the ocean with my family’s voices in the background.”
What sound do you hate? “Anything angry or loaded with negativity.”
What profession other than yours would like to attempt? “Professional sports.”
What profession would you not like to participate in? “Anything involving tobacco or the manufacturing of weapons.”
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “Welcome, Mike – behind this door is a roomful of people who can’t wait to see you”

Bill Connors
The cable industry’s biggest challenge in 2008 is: “The need for our industry to promote our superior products and services even louder to our consumers and in the financial marketplace.”
Person I most admire in the cable industry and why: “I most admire the amazing employees at Comcast and within our industry.”
Top personal achievement in 2007: “My wife re-signed me to another 20-year contract (no terms were disclosed).”
Favorite city: “Sunset, SC”
Favorite sports team: “Multiple-time National Champion Florida Gators.”
My perfect vacation goes like this: “Me, my wife, my kids, a boat, a lake and no Blackberry.”

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