Clasen Retiring as Starz CEO
Chairman, an Ex-Comcast Exec, Joined Starz in 2003
Mike Farrell -- Multichannel News, 8/19/2009 5:02:22 PM
Starz LLC chairman and CEO and industry veteran Robert Clasen will retire around the end of the year, the premium programmer said Wednesday.
Clasen joined Starz in 2003 as president of sales and marketing and became CEO of Starz LLC after parent Liberty Media Corp. acquired the assets of IDT Corp. in 2006, forming Starz Media.
Robert Clasen
Under Clasen's leadership, Starz and its sister channel
Encore grew subscribers by more than 20% and more than doubled cash flow. Starz
also launched VOD, HD and Internet video offerings, launched a movie studio
(Overture Films) and led the development of original programming for the channels, including
Crash and Spartacus: Blood and Sand.
No replacement has been named for Clasen. Liberty Media said it would conduct a search for a successor and that Clasen would remain with Starz until the search is completed.
"During his 40-year career in the industry, Bob has demonstrated his vision and management skills in every phase of the business," Liberty chairman John Malone said in a statement. "He has been a valuable member of our top management team and I thank Bob for his leadership and contributions."
Liberty CEO Greg Maffei praised Clasen's contributions to Starz' success.
"During his tenure, Starz grew subscribers, doubled cash flow, expanded original programming and added new services," Maffei said in a statement. "Bob has been a great asset to Starz and we are pleased he will remain with us for the coming months to assist with the transition."
Clasen started his cable career in 1974 working for Continental Cablevision. From there he moved on to Comcast Corp., where he served as president of Comcast Cable from 1984 to 1989 and as president of Comcast International Holdings from 1989 to 1991 and again from 1993 to 1997. He also headed up two high tech companies before signing on with Starz in 2003.
"No job has provided a greater measure of excitement and satisfaction than my tenure with Starz," Clasen said in a statement. "It has been a privilege to be a part of such a talented group of people and I am extremely proud of the performance and financial results we have achieved. Our experienced management, creative team, and overall employee base have created the exceptional businesses that bring Starz programming to millions of viewers worldwide. Our management team has never been stronger, and Starz is well-positioned for success in the years ahead. I will always be grateful to John, Greg, and Starz founder John Sie for giving me this incredible opportunity."
Vongo Cuts Brookstone Marketing Deal
12/03/2007Coda
08/24/2009Starz Hires Albrecht
12/22/2009Starz Ramps Movie, Series Production
08/27/2006
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
