December 10, 2009

CableFAX: 76. The Rapids: David Verklin

David Verklin

Title: CEO, Canoe Ventures
Age: Too busy to tell
Education: U of VA
So Med Quotient: 7

Why Him? Smart, savvy and highly caffeinated, Verklin may be one of the most exciting (and excitable) execs ever to cross over into cable. But that enthusiasm is part of what keeps Canoe Ventures afloat despite inevitable delays that befall any highly complicated endeavor. Before joining Canoe in mid-’08, Verklin ran Aegis Media Americas where he grew billings to nearly $7bln/yr.

Worth Watching: The Comcast-NBCU deal could have big implications for Canoe (perhaps in a good way). We’re guessing Verklin’s in on the meetings.

Year Ahead:

With so many disparate cable systems and architectures to integrate into Canoe, Verklin’s big challenge may be finding one "killer app" that catches fire in ’10.

Prediction for Cable in 2010: The year that Interactive Television finally comes to America. ITV will become a reality due to the cable industry working together. It will be a breakthrough year for the US TV industry.

Last Book Read: One Second After by William Forstchen. Terrifying but potentially true — read it

Trait I Most Admire: Mental discipline. If you want something done, give it to a busy person.

Best Part of Job: I love the epic challenge that Canoe represents technically, operationally and philosophically. We are trying to change the entire TV ecosystem. It’s an honor to be a part of the journey...