David Kenny
Title: Chairman/CEO, The Weather Company
Number of Years in Cable: 1.5
Education: BS, General Motors Institute; MBA, Harvard Business School     
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Generosity is always the best investment.

Why Him? A tireless and decisive leader, Kenny is known for his sharp mind and ability to inspire greatness. Since taking The Weather Channel’s reins in early 2012, Kenny’s has upped original programming and engaged consumers more actively on mobile and digital platforms. And to show advertisers the network means business, it had its own NewFront this year to promote a series of cross-platform original short films debuting every month beginning in July. It also has partnered with Twitter to produce sponsored content tailored to specific audiences and local weather conditions. The goal is to leverage Weather’s reach across multiple platforms that reach 163 million unique users per month. Kenny’s focus centers around a “hyperlocal” approach. And he’s got a point. What’s more local than weather?

Apple or Samsung? Need to carry Apple, Samsung, Nokia, Blackberry, and Kindle to cover all our mobile products.

On a Saturday afternoon, you can find me… outdoors — hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, or cycling in all kinds of weather.

My new year’s resolution for 2014 will be… see the arctic and Antarctica before they melt.

Film fest or music festival? Love Tribeca, Sundance, and Cannes. Especially the undiscovered, and foreign language films.

The other subject I wish I’d picked for my college major: Environmental studies

Favorite decade? The current decade is always my favorite.

Most embarrassing moment? Having a live mic while in the men’s room.

I consider this person my mentor, and here’s why: My wife, because she keeps me humble.

Favorite airport? Charles de Galle (love the Laduree shops)

The movie that should never be remade? 400 Coups (only Truffaut understands the angst of Antoine Doinel).

The best piece of business advice I’ve gotten this year: Veterans make great hires.

I watch the majority of programming on this device: iPad

Celebrity, sports figure or politician I’d most want to have dinner with? Christine Lagarde

Cable exec I wish had done a Harlem Shake video? Phil Griffin

The biggest lesson I learned from my kid(s) this year was… the only metric of success that matters is personal happiness.

The day we get multiplatform measurement is the day I… am smiling because we align the business with what our audience really wants.

I wish Congress would just… grow up and realize politics are not a sporting event.

The TV show title that most resembles my life is… “The Big Bang Theory”

Favorite business and/or motivational book? The Psychology of Pleasure

Favorite vacation spot? Lake Tanganyika, between Tanzania and The Congo ?

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