David Haslingden

Title: President/COO, Fox Networks Group
Years in Cable: 8 (Domestic), 18 (combined U.S. and International cable/satellite)
Education: Undergrad, Sydney University; Master of Law, Cambridge University
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Say “YES” to any opportunity

Why Him? After heading up the successful and fast-growing Fox International Channels business, Haslingden shifted this year to assume the top post at Fox Networks Group. Haslingden led FIC through a decade of growth and earlier this year added many of Tony Vinciquerra’s business responsibilities when Vinciquerra left the company. Now, Haslingden is heading up one of the most powerful network groups overseeing strategy, business development, finance, ad sales and more. ’Nuff Said: “I grew up on a sheep farm in the Australian Outback, and now I’m a television executive in America. If you believe in yourself, you really can be anything you want to be.”

Year Ahead: Momentum. Fox Networks Group has it. We think Haslingden will maintain it.
The one topping that should never be put on a hot dog: Vegemite (I’m Australian)
The biggest innovation in cable over the last year: TV Everywhere: an important idea that had to wait for the technology to catch up.
Favorite “going out” town: Rome or Sydney.
Favorite sports team: The Australian National Rugby Team – The Wallabies
Favorite vacation spot: Our family farm in Southern New South Wales