Michael George
Title: President/CEO, QVC
Age: 47
Education: Northwestern U, BA; Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern U, Finance

Why Him? It’s not easy to be at the helm of a mammoth multimedia retailer as the country is plunging into economic despair. But former Dell exec George acted fast this fall, applying tourniquets such as the closing of call centers and instilling a work-from-home incentive plan that he hopes will help slice ’09 operating costs by $30-$40mln. QVC experienced a slowdown in growth in ’07, when revenue rose only 5% to $7.4bln vs ’06, compared to a 12%-plus average annual growth for the five previous years. George is banking on bringing more brand-name wares to the network and focusing on the reality trend with shows like makeover series Room for Improvement.

Bummer: Having to announce in November plans for laying off 900 employees

Year Ahead:
There’s no denying erstwhile zealous shoppers are going to be financially hamstrung in ’09.

Favorite Food: Fried chicken

Favorite Restaurant: Minella’s Diner

Drink of Choice: Chocolate shake

Favorite Music: Country

Favorite Show Not on My Network: Mad Men

Last Book Read: Lincoln’s Sword

Best Business Advice Received: Time is the enemy

Trait I Most Admire: Passion

Sports Team: Philadelphia Phillies

Hero: Lincoln

CO

Return to the CableFAX 100 table of contents.

The Daily

Subscribe
Thursday–September 21

Rupert Murdoch to Step Down, Shift Role in November

Rupert Murdoch is stepping down as chairman of Fox Corp. and News Corp. The move will go into effect in mid-November at the annual general meeting of shareholders for each company, where Murdoch will be

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Dec 6
2023 Most Powerful Women Awards Nomination close on September 8, 2023.
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB?
VIEW JOBS

Hiring? In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors, The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact [email protected] for more information.