49. Michael Armstrong

SVP/GM, BET International and Paramount Channel

Armstrong since 2011 has ably juggled dual roles of overseeing strategy and operations of both BET and sister Viacom net Paramount Channel in international markets. Under his purview, the networks’ world is definitely expanding, particularly this year in the U.K. and Africa. He recently brokered a deal with Virgin Media in the U.K. to showcase BET programming, extending the channel’s reach by 3 million viewers. “The funding and distribution of stories in the U.S. centered around multicultural lives is not keeping pace with platform and international growth,” says Armstrong, who also serves as the chairman of the national board for NAMIC.