Years in Cable: 20
Education: BFA, NYU Tisch School of the Arts
One Word that Best Describes Me: Minnesotan
Rees was EVP of marketing, programming and operations before being upped to GM in 2014, but despite the promotion retained the marketing role. Now that’s dedication. He’s been there since the network’s launch and of late has employed a true cross-platform approach with critical darlings like “Fortitude” and “Please Like Me.” The former has a companion web series and the latter a Tumblr for original for fan-generated art. He’s young, innovative, and has a keen eye for marketing—all pivotal qualities for running a millennial and socially conscious network.
The biggest innovation in cable over the last year: Smarter cable/satellite DVR. My box now prompts me to binge like the SVOD platforms.
Virtual reality is… an interesting diversion that’s not quite there yet.
Last show I watched not on my network(s): “Baskets”
My first job: First mate on a Booze Cruise boat
“Star Trek” celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. So if Mr. Spock’s motto is “Live Long and Prosper,” mine is… Don’t be a jerk.
If this election year was a reality TV series, it would be called… “Apocalypse Now: The Series”
What was the last costume that you wore and why? Any time I am wearing a suit. Some work thing.
What should cable do to improve its image? Embrace niche, and meet the audience on their terms.
Best way to spend a Saturday night: Showing my kids things from the mid-’90s on YouTube
New favorite binge: “11.22.63” on Hulu
My cable industry mentor and why: Linda Danner, former VP of on air at VH1. She taught me everything I know, and is one of the best promo producers of all time. She’s a genius— which is a word I don’t take lightly.
Hoverboard, driverless car or drone: ELECTRIC Driverless car.
I watch the majority of programming on this device: Apple TV
My personal theme song is: “It’s Alright Ma…” by Bob Dylan
