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Jerry Kent
Title: Chairman/CEO, Suddenlink
Years in Cable: 28
Education: BS, BA, MBA, Washington University
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Customer service is the cornerstone of success.
Why Him? Kent has much to celebrate. First off, Suddenlink is now the seventh-largest MSO thanks to the acquisition in April of NPG Cable and its 80,000 subscribers. In addition, the company has posted 19 straight quarters of revenue growth, with operating results remaining among the best in the industry. 2012 will see the completion of Kent’s “Project Imagine” initiative to upgrade VOD, HD and high-speed Internet offerings. Recent wins include expanding VOD to more than 78% of customers, deploying DOCSIS 3.0 to 77%, and adding more HD channels throughout the footprint.
Customers First: Since 2007 Suddenlink has been the most improved company in its category in customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Associates.
Favorite restaurant: Il Mulino in New York
Favorite “going out” town: New York
The one thing I tell my kids about success in life: You have to give back your time, talent and money to worthwhile projects.
Worst thing I’ve ever heard someone say in a meeting: “You shouldn’t care about the nameless, faceless public shareholders.”
Bands I would actually go see live: Eagles, Billy Joel, The Rolling Stones – Yes, I’m showing my age.
My favorite sports team: My World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals!
My favorite vacation spot: Beaver Creek—Family skiing can’t be beat.
My favorite iPad app: Slingbox
My guilty television pleasure is: “American Idol”
When I look at my cable set-top box, I can’t help but think that: Times are changing—and rapidly. ?
