David Zagin
Title: EVP, Distribution, AETN
Age: 47
Education: BS, Syracuse U
Social Media Quotient: 3

Why Him? A respected dealmaker, Zagin negotiated significant pacts with major cable ops, oversaw the launch of Crime and Investigation HD and led AETN’s strategic planning on authentication. Achievements this year include History International HD launches on Time Warner Cable, Bright House and Cox. He’s got a hand in just about everything, including efforts to capitalize on MSO, DBS and telco advanced ad platforms.

Onward and Upward: Zagin’s new role as head of content distribution for the new, larger AETN LLC has him poised to elevate its products to major status in the industry.

The Year Ahead:

2010 will be a year of adjustments with Lifetime joining the AETN fold. Now reporting to Zagin is veteran Lifetime Distribution EVP Lori Conkling.

Prediction for Cable in 2010: More industry consolidation and the hopeful successful launch of authentication. And to go one step further, will we be able to monetize authentication?

Favorite iPhone/Blackberry App: Blackberry Messenger (BBM) – the best way to communicate with my kids when they’re not home.

A Day without Facebook is…: A normal day for me.

Best Business Advice: Stay positive. There’s always a way to get it done.