December 10, 2009

CableFAX: 30. Cardinal Rules: Jerry Kent

Jerry Kent
Title: Chairman/CEO, Suddenlink
Age: Too old to pitch for the Cardinals
Education: BS, MBA, Washington U (& 26 years of telecom wars)

Why Him? It’s simplistic to say Suddenlink’s success is tied to its stressing the basics, but that’s the truth. "Sometimes we complicate this business," Kent said during The Cable Show when asked about Suddenlink’s reluctance to explore wireless. Kent’s push for value and customer service was reflected in a new $3.5mln customer care center in W. VA and a 62-point jump in JD Power’s satisfaction index in late ’08 (all but 2 providers declined). And in an economic downturn, Suddenlink posted its best Q ever (1Q ’09). If St Louis hadn’t tanked in the playoffs, Kent would really be smiling.

Nice: Kent established a $3mln scholarship for undergrads at his alma mater.

Year Ahead:

Suddenlink is expanding HD offerings, rolling out VOD and home security and completing a huge fiberlink project in LA.