NEW YORK — Former FCC chairman Michael K. Powell is the new president and CEO ofthe National Cable & Telecommunications Association.
The son of former Secretary of State Colin Powell ran the FCC from 2001 until 2005 follows Kyle McSlarrow whose departure the NCTA announced last week.
Most recently, Powell has been a senior advisor at Providence Equity Partners, a private equity firm with a specialty in media.
He begins his tenure at NCTA on April 25.
“Michael Powell is one of the most well respected and influential visionaries in all of telecommunications, and we’re so proud to have him join the cable team,” said Patrick Esser, chair of the NCTA board and president, Cox Communications. “Michael’s exemplary record of leadership, deep commitment to public service, and vast insight into public policy make him an ideal fit to lead our industry in Washington, D.C., as we address the regulatory challenges that lie ahead and continue to help policy makers understand cable’s commitment to jobs, investment, and innovation.”
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Said Powell: “Cable is a dynamic and highly innovative industry, providing cutting edge services and content that Americans love. The broadband platform the industry has deployed is a critical part of the infrastructure needed to realize our national ambition to be a great nation in the Information Age.”
Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts said he was “thrilled” that Powell would lead the cable industry’s lobbying arm. “Michael brings unprecedented government and business experience to his new position,” he said. “Michael is respected by the leaders of both the Senate and House, Republicans and Democrats, as well as the Administration and the business community.”
Incoming MPAA chairman and CEO Chris Dodd said that Powell’s expertise will make him a partner on key media industry issues. “The conversion to digital technology has resulted in challenges and opportunities for both our industries, and I look forward to working through these complex issues with such a creative thinker,” Dodd said.
