Vicki Jones

SVP, AT&T Entertainment Group – Support, AT&T

Since the merger with DirecTV, Jones and her team have worked to provide customers with a simple, personalized, seamless and secure experience. She believes it’s the customers who define and drive programs and investments needed to provide the premium experience. For example, Jones’ team created speech recognition technology that allows customers to speak in natural sentences when describing why they’re calling. Asked what the biggest story in cable is right now, she says, “The numerous stories related to the emergence of over the top offerings and the exponential growth of mobile video are radically changing the landscape of entertainment and content.”

Which sector of the cable industry best demonstrates gender equality? Which could use some enlightenment?

The wireless companies that are mobilizing video seem to be more diverse than most sectors.  We’ve seen senior women in engineering, marketing and operational roles across numerous mobility companies.  AT&T has a strong focus on promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to build more diversity in the current and future hiring pipeline.  Traditional cable still seems to be the least diverse with minimal visibility to developing, recruiting, and retaining women.

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?

Dream big and avoid limited thinking.

What’s been the biggest story in cable this year?

The numerous stories related to the emergence of over the top offerings and the exponential growth of mobile video are radically changing the landscape of entertainment and content.