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| ⚫ | {{Short description|American billionaire businessman}} | ||
| {{About|the CEO|people with similar names|Brian Roberts (disambiguation)}} | {{About|the CEO|people with similar names|Brian Roberts (disambiguation)}} | ||
| ⚫ | {{ |
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| {{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| | name = Brian |
| name = Brian Roberts | ||
| | image = Brian Roberts Comcast.jpg | | image = Brian Roberts Comcast.jpg | ||
| ⚫ | | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1959|6|28}} | ||
| | image_size = | |||
| ⚫ | | birth_place = ], Pennsylvania, U.S. | ||
| | caption = | |||
| | |
| death_date = | ||
| ⚫ | | death_place = | ||
| ⚫ | | birth_date = {{ |
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| | party = | |||
| ⚫ | | birth_place = ], |
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| ⚫ | | education = ] of the ] (BS) | ||
| | death_date = | |||
| | occupation = Businessman <br />Executive <br />Philanthropist | |||
| ⚫ | | death_place = | ||
| ⚫ | | title = Chairman and CEO, ] | ||
| | residence = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |||
| ⚫ | | spouse = Aileen Kennedy Roberts | ||
| | party = ] | |||
| ⚫ | | children = 3 | ||
| | education = ] | |||
| | |
| relatives = ] (father) | ||
| ⚫ | | title = |
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| | salary = US$32.5 million (2017) | |||
| ⚫ | | spouse = Aileen Kennedy | ||
| ⚫ | | children = 3 | ||
| | parents = ] <br> Suzanne Roberts | |||
| | networth = {{up}} US$1.7 billion (October 2018)<ref name=ForbesBillionaires>, Forbes.com; accessed January 13, 2018.</ref> | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Brian L. Roberts''' (born June 28, 1959) is an American entrepreneur, business executive and ]. He is the chairman and CEO of ], a multinational telecommunications and media company providing entertainment and communications products and services, founded by his late father, ]. Brian was named president of Comcast in 1990 before becoming the CEO in 2002.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Fabrikant |first=Geraldine |date=1991-02-08 |title=BUSINESS PEOPLE; Son Succeeds Father As Comcast President |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/08/business/business-people-son-succeeds-father-as-comcast-president.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.md/bwmSx |archive-date=2014-02-14 |work=The New York Times |pages=D 6}}</ref> | |||
| '''Brian L. Roberts''' (born June 28, 1959) is an American ] businessman who is the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of ], an American company providing cable, entertainment, and communications products and services which was founded by his father, ]. | |||
| ==Early life and education== | ==Early life and education== | ||
| Roberts was born |
Roberts was born in ], ], the son of ], the founder of Comcast Corporation, and Suzanne (née Fleisher), an actress and playwright.<ref name=PhillyLove>{{cite news|url=https://articles.philly.com/2013-02-14/news/37081674_1_suzanne-ralph-dance-floor |work=]|title=Love: Suzanne (Fleisher) Roberts & Ralph J. Roberts|author= Kellie Patrick Gates|date=February 14, 2013}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last1=Guttman |first1=Nathan |last2= |first2= |date=2 March 2014 |title=Brian Roberts' Jewish Roots and Outsized Ambition Drive Comcast's Rise in Media |url=https://forward.com/news/193521/brian-roberts-jewish-roots-and-outsized-ambition-d/ |access-date=2020-02-18 |website=The Forward |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=Bonnie L. |date=2020-04-20 |title=Suzanne F. Roberts, philanthropist, performer, and broadcaster, dies at 98 |url=https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/suzanne-roberts-wife-ralph-roberts-comcast-philanthropist-actress-20200420.html |access-date= |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |language=en}}</ref> His maternal grandfather, ], was a real estate investor and philanthropist. Roberts graduated from ] and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the ] in 1981.<ref> December 21, 2001</ref> | ||
| ==Career== | ==Career== | ||
| Roberts is chairman and CEO of ], and personally controls 33 1/3% of the voting rights of the company.<ref>, comcast.com; retrieved February 12, 2014</ref> He was named President of Comcast Corporation in 1990 when the company had $657 million in annual revenue. Comcast Corporation’s annual revenue has since grown to $94.5 billion.<ref name=comcastbio>{{cite web|title=Comcast Biography of Mr. Brian L. Roberts|url=https://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/leadership-overview/brian-l-roberts|accessdate=18 March 2019}}</ref> | |||
| === Comcast === | |||
| Roberts is chairman of the board of directors of the ] (NCTA), and a former ].<ref> April 26, 2005</ref> Roberts served as Chairman of NCTA from 1995 to 1996, when the landmark deregulatory 1996 Telecommunications Act became law. | |||
| {{Main|Comcast}} | |||
| Roberts began his career at Comcast after graduating from Wharton in 1981, as a manager of cable system marketing. In 1987, he was promoted to executive vice president.<ref name=":2" /> | |||
| In 2016, Roberts received US$28.6 million in compensation,<ref name=salary1>{{cite web|title=Comcast - Mr. Brian L. Roberts Compensation|url=https://www1.salary.com/Brian-L-Roberts-Salary-Bonus-Stock-Options-for-COMCAST-CORP.html|accessdate=13 January 2018}}</ref> and in 2018, his net worth was US$1.98 billion.<ref name=ForbesBillionaires /> | |||
| Roberts assumed the role of President of Comcast in 1990 at the age of 31, when the company's annual revenue was $657 million.<ref name="comcastbio">{{cite web |title=Comcast Biography of Mr. Brian L. Roberts |url=https://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/leadership-overview/brian-l-roberts |access-date=18 March 2019}}</ref> The company's annual revenue grew significantly since then, reaching $122 billion by 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Form 10-K |url=https://www.cmcsa.com/static-files/fabc4151-d6cd-4480-bf15-43a5dfd96290}}</ref> | |||
| ==Awards and philanthropy== | |||
| ''Institutional Investor'' Magazine named Roberts as its top vote-getter for three years in a row (2004–06) in the Cable & Satellite category of their America's Best CEOs annual survey; and named Comcast as one of America's Most Shareholder-Friendly Companies in 2006. | |||
| In 1997, Roberts coordinated a deal with Bill Gates for Microsoft to invest $1 billion in Comcast, which supported the expansion of its broadband network.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-06-09 |title=Microsoft invests $1 billion in Comcast |url=https://www.deseret.com/1997/6/9/19316740/microsoft-invests-1-billion-in-comcast/ |access-date= |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Derrick |first=Jayson |date=2022-01-23 |title=The Inside Story Of How Bill Gates And Microsoft Earned A 400% Return On Comcast - Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) |url=https://www.benzinga.com/tech/22/01/9608148/the-inside-story-of-how-bill-gates-and-microsoft-earned-a-400-return-on-comcast |access-date= |website=Benzinga |language=English}}</ref> As of 2024 the network is the largest Internet Service Provider in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iscrupe |first=Lisa |last2=Whatley |first2=Hannah |title=Xfinity Internet 2025 {{!}} Plans, Pricing & Availability |url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/internet/xfinity/ |access-date= |website=USA Today Home Internet |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Trey |first=Paul |date=2024-12-09 |title=Xfinity Home Internet Review: Plans, Prices, Coverage and More |url=https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/xfinity-internet-review/ |access-date= |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Anders |first=David |date=2025-01-08 |title=Best Cable Internet Providers for January 2025 |url=https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-cable-internet-providers/ |access-date= |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | Roberts was the recipient of the 2004 Humanitarian Award from the ], and was the 2002 ] Honoree of the Year for his commitment to diversity in the cable industry. The ] of Philadelphia honored Roberts with their 2002 award for his commitment to youth programs and community |
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| In 2001, Comcast acquired AT&T Broadband for $72 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohan |first=William D. |date=2024-01-10 |title=The Philadelphia Story |url=https://puck.news/the-philadelphia-story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.md/AT0sr |archive-date=2024-01-10 |access-date= |website=Puck |language=en-US}}</ref> The deal allowed Comcast to become the largest cable operator in the world.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arango |first=Tim |last2=Stelter |first2=Brian |date=2009-11-12 |title=For Comcast’s Chief, Content Led the Way |work=The New York Times}}</ref> In 2002, Roberts became the company's CEO; he subsequently became chairman of the board in 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |last=James |first=Meg |date=2018-06-10 |title=Brian Roberts has been the force behind Comcast's growth. Now he's in the hunt for Fox |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-brian-roberts-comcast-20180610-htmlstory.html |access-date= |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelner |first=Braden |date=2007-07-01 |title=Deal-Maker Who Built A National Media Company: Brian L. Roberts, W' 81 |url=https://magazine.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/anniversary-issue/deal-maker-who-built-a-national-media-company-brian-l-roberts-w-81/ |access-date= |website=Wharton Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| In 2001, Roberts was awarded the USC Shoah Foundation Institute's 2011 Ambassador for Humanity Award.<ref>Michael Elkin , jewishexponent.com, May 4, 2011; accessed June 20, 2015.</ref> | |||
| In 2011, Comcast acquired ], expanding the company's portfolio in the media space.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2018-11-20 |title=Bold Leader Spotlight: Brian L. Roberts, CEO Comcast NBCUniversal |url=https://www.boldbusiness.com/human-achievement/bold-leader-spotlight-brian-l-roberts-ceo-chairman-comcast/ |access-date=2020-04-13 |website=Bold Business |language=en-US}}</ref> Through this deal, Roberts was able to integrate Comcast’s cable networks with broadcast television and film production.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Arango |first=Tim |date=2009-12-03 |title=G.E. Makes It Official: It Will Sell NBC to Comcast - The New York Times |url=https://archive.md/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/business/media/04nbc.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.md/3jJ1M |archive-date=2020-08-27 |access-date= |website=archive.md}}</ref> | |||
| The Aileen K. and Brian L. Roberts Foundation was one of the largest contributors to the restoration of the Alfred W. Fleisher Memorial Synagogue at ] in ], named in the honor of his maternal grandfather.<ref>, easternstate.org; retrieved February 19, 2014.</ref> | |||
| In 2018, Comcast acquired the British media and telecommunications company, ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Conrad |first=Roger |date=2018-09-25 |title=Comcast Wins Sky Bid: Step In And Buy |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2018/09/25/comcast-wins-sky-bid-step-in-and-buy/?sh=49f2c63521c0 |access-date= |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> The acquisition, according to Roberts, gave Comcast an opportunity for international growth.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2018-04-25 |title=Comcast CEO Brian Roberts: Sky Is a Great Opportunity but Not a ‘Necessity’ |url=https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/comcast-sky-acquisition-brian-roberts-1202786254/ |access-date= |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | ==Maccabiah Games== | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| During Roberts’s tenure, the company’s customer base expanded from 2.4 million in 1990 to 52 million in 2024.<ref>, comcast.com; retrieved February 12, 2014</ref> | |||
| In 2023, Roberts's total compensation at Comcast was $35.5 million, up 11% from the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-07 |title=Equilar 100: CEO Pay at the Largest Companies by Revenue |url=https://www.equilar.com/reports/111-table-equilar-new-york-times-top-100-highest-paid-ceos-2024.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815195403/https://www.equilar.com/reports/111-table-equilar-new-york-times-top-100-highest-paid-ceos-2024.html |archive-date=2024-08-15 |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=Equilar |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| === NCTA and CableLabs === | |||
| Roberts previously served as chairman of the board of directors of the ] (NCTA) from 1995 to 1996, a period during which the landmark deregulatory ] was enacted.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620203949/https://www.ncta.com/news-and-events/media-room/content/us-cable-industry-launches-%E2%80%9Ctake-control-its-easy%E2%80%9D-campaign-help-parents-manage-their |date=2015-06-20 }} April 26, 2005</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Brian Roberts |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/advisory-boards/jobs-council/members/roberts#:~:text=Roberts%20is%20a%20member%20of,1996%20Telecommunications%20Act%20became%20law |access-date= |website=The White House |language=en}}</ref> He later returned to serve as chairman for two consecutive terms from 2005 to 2007.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
| Additionally, Roberts was elected chairman of ], a research and development consortium for the cable industry, where he held the position for three consecutive terms<ref name=":1" /> | |||
| ==Awards== | |||
| ''Institutional Investor'' Magazine named Roberts as its top vote-getter for three years in a row (2004–06) in the Cable & Satellite category of their America's Best CEOs annual survey; and named Comcast as one of America's Most Shareholder-Friendly Companies in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brian Roberts |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/node/26537 |website=The White House |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, the magazine has included Roberts in its list of America's top CEOs on multiple occasions since 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-01-01 |title=HAIL TO THE CHIEFS |url=https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/2btgiud8p7kq9pfqpg268/home/hail-to-the-chiefs |access-date= |website=Institutional Investor |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=All-America Executive Team |url=https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/section/research/all-america-executive-team/2024 |access-date= |website=Institutional Investor |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | Roberts was the recipient of the 1994 Golden Plate Award of the ],<ref>{{cite web|title= Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement |website=www.achievement.org|publisher=]|url=https://achievement.org/our-history/golden-plate-awards/#business}}</ref> the 2004 Humanitarian Award from the ], and was the 2002 ] Honoree of the Year for his commitment to diversity in the cable industry. The ] of Philadelphia honored Roberts with their 2002 award for his commitment to youth programs and community involvement.<ref name="PressRoomBio">{{cite press release|title=Brian L. Roberts|url=http://www.comcast.com/corporate/about/pressroom/corporateoverview/corporateexecutives/brianroberts.html|access-date=April 21, 2012}}</ref> | ||
| In 2011, Roberts was awarded the ] Institute's 2011 Ambassador for Humanity Award.<ref>Michael Elkin , jewishexponent.com, May 4, 2011; accessed June 20, 2015.</ref> In 2021, he was a recipient of the centennial Philadelphia Award.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Brian L. Roberts {{!}} The Philadelphia Award |url=https://www.philadelphiaaward.org/winners/brian-l-roberts/ |access-date= |website=The Philadelphia Award |language=en}}</ref> The following year, Roberts received the William Penn award, "the highest honor bestowed upon a business executive in Greater Philadelphia," according to the Chamber of Commerce.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mulligan |first=Ryan |date=2022-12-19 |title=Comcast's Brian Roberts receives 2022 William Penn Award |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2022/12/19/brian-roberts-chamber-william-penn-comcast.html |access-date= |website=Philadelphia Business Journal}}</ref> | |||
| == Community involvement == | |||
| The Roberts family, led by Brian has made philanthropic contributions to various medical, educational, and cultural institutions. In 2006, they made a donation to help establish The Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn Medicine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-01 |title=Roberts Family Gives $15 Million for Proton Therapy Center |url=https://thepenngazette.com/roberts-family-gives-15-million-for-proton-therapy-center/ |website=The Pennsylvania Gazette}}</ref> | |||
| In 2016, the family provided to support the creation of the Roberts Collaborative for Genetics and Individualized Medicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCullough |first=Marie |date=2016-09-23 |title=CHOP, Comcast founders announce $50 million genetics initiative |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/health/-CHOP-Comcast-founders-announce-50-million-genetics-initiative.html |access-date= |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |language=en}}</ref> In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Roberts family donated $5 million to the School District of Philadelphia to purchase Chromebooks for students to support virtual learning.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2020-03-27 |title=Comcast CEO, Family Donate $5 Million to Buy Laptops for Philly Students |url=https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/coronavirus/comcast-ceo-brian-roberts-philadelphia-schools-laptops/2342938/ |access-date= |website=NBC10 Philadelphia |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2021, they established the Roberts Family Professorship in Vaccine Research at the Perelman School of Medicine, along with the Katalin Karikó Fellowship Fund in Vaccine Development.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-29 |title=University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine Establishes Roberts Family Professorship and Fellowship for Vaccine Research and Development - Penn Medicine |url=https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-releases/2021/july/psom-establishes-roberts-family-professorship-and-fellowship-for-vaccine-research-and-development |access-date= |website=Penn Medicine News |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | == Maccabiah Games == | ||
| ⚫ | An All-American ] player, Roberts competed in the ] in Israel, earning a gold medal with the U.S. squash team in the ], and silver medals in the ], the ], the ], and the ].<ref name=PressRoomBio/><ref>Michael Elkin {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419112502/http://www.jewishexponent.com/shoah-salute-personal-meaning-for-comcast-ceo |date=2016-04-19 }}, jewishexponent.com, May 4, 2011; accessed June 20, 2015.</ref> On October 21, 2012, Roberts was honored by Maccabi USA as a 'Legend of the Maccabiah.'<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221190556/http://www.maccabiusa.com/about/legends/2012-legends-of-the-maccabiah/ |date=2014-12-21 }}; retrieved December 20, 2014.</ref> | ||
| ==Politics== | ==Politics== | ||
| Roberts was a founding co-chair of Philadelphia 2000, the nonpartisan host committee for the ]. The '' |
Roberts was a founding co-chair of Philadelphia 2000, the nonpartisan host committee for the ]. The ''Pennsylvania Report'' named Roberts to the 2003 "The Pennsylvania Report Power 75" list of influential figures in Pennsylvania politics, calling him "Pennsylvania’s most powerful businessman", and noted his influence with ] ].<ref name=pareport2003>{{cite web|title=The PA Report 'Power 75' List|work=Pennsylvania Report|publisher=Capital Growth, Inc.|date=January 31, 2003|url=http://www.pa-report.com/uploaded_pdf/PAReportPower75_.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060920200116/http://www.pa-report.com/uploaded_pdf/PAReportPower75_.pdf|archive-date=2006-09-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
| In 2003, Roberts was named to the ] list of politically influential individuals.<ref name=power2003>{{cite web|title=Power 50|work=]|publisher=The Publius Group|year=2003| |
In 2003, Roberts was named to the ] list of politically influential individuals.<ref name=power2003>{{cite web|title=Power 50|work=]|publisher=The Publius Group|year=2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040417135307/http://www.politicspa.com/features/power502003.htm|url=http://www.politicspa.com/features/power502003.htm|archive-date=2004-04-17|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
| ⚫ | In December 2009, Roberts wrote a letter to President ], endorsing the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Roberts endorses PPACA|work=]|year=2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702092702/https://www.politico.com/static/PPM143_091203_wh_healthcare_letter.html|url=https://www.politico.com/static/PPM143_091203_wh_healthcare_letter.html|archive-date=2015-07-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
| Since 2006, Roberts has donated more than $76,000 to Democratic candidates, and $13,500 to Republican candidates.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hart |first=Kim |url=http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/70767-comcast-nbc-deal-finds-campaign-cash-converging-with-obamas-principles |title=Comcast-NBC deal finds campaign cash converging with Obama's principles |newspaper=The Hill |date=2012-05-09 |accessdate=2014-04-18 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207062257/http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/70767-comcast-nbc-deal-finds-campaign-cash-converging-with-obamas-principles |archivedate=December 7, 2009 }}</ref> | |||
| Roberts has donated $90,600 to Democratic candidates/PACs, and $70,300 to Republican candidates/PACs. He has not donated to any political party or candidate since 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.opensecrets.org/search?order=desc&page=1&q=ROBERTS%2C+BRIAN+L&sort=D&type=donors|title= ROBERTS, BRIAN L|work=]|access-date=March 19, 2024}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | In December 2009, Roberts wrote a letter to President ], endorsing the ].<ref>, politico.com |
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| ] | |||
| Roberts is considered a supporter of the ] and supported ] in the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Comcast/NBC fired and insulted Trump and now faces a grudge-holding president |url=https://www.philly.com/philly/business/comcast/ComcastNBC-faces-displeased-and-grudge-harboring-Trump-after-Jan-20-inauguration.html |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=January 13, 2017}}</ref> | |||
| ==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
| Roberts and his wife, Aileen Kennedy Roberts, live in Philadelphia and have three children |
Roberts and his wife, Aileen Kennedy Roberts, live in Philadelphia and have three children. Aileen is the chair of the ].<ref>, businessweek.com; retrieved July 8, 2012.</ref><ref>, phillymag,com, May 31, 2012</ref> | ||
| In 2010, Roberts |
In 2010, Roberts, along with his late brother, Douglas, and his father, presented his mother a ] Lifetime Achievement Award.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4K-1aUlm6w |title=Brian, Doug & Ralph Roberts Presenting Suzanne Roberts Lifetime Achievement Honor |date=6 March 2011 |website=YouTube.com |access-date=28 February 2017}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/20/business/media/ralph-roberts-cable-tv-pioneer-who-built-comcast-dies-at-95.html?_r=0|title=Ralph Roberts, Cable TV Pioneer Who Built Comcast, Dies at 95 |work=The New York Times, USA |date=19 June 2015 |first1=Glenn |last1=Rifkin |access-date=28 February 2017}}</ref> | ||
| Roberts owns a 48 ft sloop and a 65 ft sloop, both designed by ] and named ''Aileen'' after his wife, which he sails while on vacation in his seasonal home on ].<ref>{{cite|url=https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2015/06/18/embracing-fellowship-wind|author=Steve Myrick|date=2015-06-18|newspaper=Vineyard Gazette|title=Embracing a Fellowship of the Wind}}</ref> Roberts' son, Tucker, was appointed president of ] ] team ] in January 2018,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/business/comcast/comcast-roberts-son-tucker-roberts-cable-president-television-video-games-esports-fusion-activision-blizzard-overwatch-league-20180109.html|title=Comcast CEO's son and gamer, Tucker Roberts, to head company-owned esports team|work=Philly.com|access-date=2018-07-30}}</ref> after Comcast and its sporting arm ] paid a reported $20 million in franchise fees to participate in that league.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/20673359/blizzard-entertainment-locks-two-more-20-million-overwatch-league-spots|title=Blizzard locks in two more $20 million Overwatch League spots|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2018-07-30|language=en}}</ref> | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
| {{reflist |
{{reflist}} | ||
| ==External links== | |||
| *{{C-SPAN|26746}} | |||
| {{Comcast}} | {{Comcast}} | ||
| {{Authority control}} | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Roberts, Brian L.}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Roberts, Brian L.}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 23:01, 18 January 2025
American billionaire businessman This article is about the CEO. For people with similar names, see Brian Roberts (disambiguation).| Brian Roberts | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | (1959-06-28) June 28, 1959 (age 65) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Education | The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (BS) |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman Executive Philanthropist |
| Title | Chairman and CEO, Comcast |
| Spouse | Aileen Kennedy Roberts |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Ralph J. Roberts (father) |
Brian L. Roberts (born June 28, 1959) is an American entrepreneur, business executive and billionaire. He is the chairman and CEO of Comcast, a multinational telecommunications and media company providing entertainment and communications products and services, founded by his late father, Ralph J. Roberts. Brian was named president of Comcast in 1990 before becoming the CEO in 2002.
Early life and education
Roberts was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Ralph J. Roberts, the founder of Comcast Corporation, and Suzanne (née Fleisher), an actress and playwright. His maternal grandfather, Alfred W. Fleisher, was a real estate investor and philanthropist. Roberts graduated from Germantown Academy and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981.
Career
Comcast
Main article: ComcastRoberts began his career at Comcast after graduating from Wharton in 1981, as a manager of cable system marketing. In 1987, he was promoted to executive vice president.
Roberts assumed the role of President of Comcast in 1990 at the age of 31, when the company's annual revenue was $657 million. The company's annual revenue grew significantly since then, reaching $122 billion by 2024.
In 1997, Roberts coordinated a deal with Bill Gates for Microsoft to invest $1 billion in Comcast, which supported the expansion of its broadband network. As of 2024 the network is the largest Internet Service Provider in the U.S.
In 2001, Comcast acquired AT&T Broadband for $72 billion. The deal allowed Comcast to become the largest cable operator in the world. In 2002, Roberts became the company's CEO; he subsequently became chairman of the board in 2004.
In 2011, Comcast acquired NBCUniversal, expanding the company's portfolio in the media space. Through this deal, Roberts was able to integrate Comcast’s cable networks with broadcast television and film production.
In 2018, Comcast acquired the British media and telecommunications company, Sky. The acquisition, according to Roberts, gave Comcast an opportunity for international growth.
During Roberts’s tenure, the company’s customer base expanded from 2.4 million in 1990 to 52 million in 2024.
In 2023, Roberts's total compensation at Comcast was $35.5 million, up 11% from the previous year.
NCTA and CableLabs
Roberts previously served as chairman of the board of directors of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) from 1995 to 1996, a period during which the landmark deregulatory 1996 Telecommunications Act was enacted. He later returned to serve as chairman for two consecutive terms from 2005 to 2007.
Additionally, Roberts was elected chairman of CableLabs, a research and development consortium for the cable industry, where he held the position for three consecutive terms
Awards
Institutional Investor Magazine named Roberts as its top vote-getter for three years in a row (2004–06) in the Cable & Satellite category of their America's Best CEOs annual survey; and named Comcast as one of America's Most Shareholder-Friendly Companies in 2006. Additionally, the magazine has included Roberts in its list of America's top CEOs on multiple occasions since 2003.
Roberts was the recipient of the 1994 Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, the 2004 Humanitarian Award from the Simon Wiesenthal Center, and was the 2002 Walter Kaitz Foundation Honoree of the Year for his commitment to diversity in the cable industry. The Police Athletic League of Philadelphia honored Roberts with their 2002 award for his commitment to youth programs and community involvement.
In 2011, Roberts was awarded the USC Shoah Foundation Institute's 2011 Ambassador for Humanity Award. In 2021, he was a recipient of the centennial Philadelphia Award. The following year, Roberts received the William Penn award, "the highest honor bestowed upon a business executive in Greater Philadelphia," according to the Chamber of Commerce.
Community involvement
The Roberts family, led by Brian has made philanthropic contributions to various medical, educational, and cultural institutions. In 2006, they made a donation to help establish The Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn Medicine.
In 2016, the family provided to support the creation of the Roberts Collaborative for Genetics and Individualized Medicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Roberts family donated $5 million to the School District of Philadelphia to purchase Chromebooks for students to support virtual learning. In 2021, they established the Roberts Family Professorship in Vaccine Research at the Perelman School of Medicine, along with the Katalin Karikó Fellowship Fund in Vaccine Development.
Maccabiah Games
An All-American squash player, Roberts competed in the Maccabiah Games in Israel, earning a gold medal with the U.S. squash team in the 2005 Maccabiah Games, and silver medals in the 1981 Maccabiah Games, the 1985 Maccabiah Games, the 1997 Maccabiah Games, and the 2009 Maccabiah Games. On October 21, 2012, Roberts was honored by Maccabi USA as a 'Legend of the Maccabiah.'
Politics
Roberts was a founding co-chair of Philadelphia 2000, the nonpartisan host committee for the 2000 Republican National Convention. The Pennsylvania Report named Roberts to the 2003 "The Pennsylvania Report Power 75" list of influential figures in Pennsylvania politics, calling him "Pennsylvania’s most powerful businessman", and noted his influence with Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell.
In 2003, Roberts was named to the PoliticsPA list of politically influential individuals.
In December 2009, Roberts wrote a letter to President Barack Obama, endorsing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Roberts has donated $90,600 to Democratic candidates/PACs, and $70,300 to Republican candidates/PACs. He has not donated to any political party or candidate since 2012.
Personal life
Roberts and his wife, Aileen Kennedy Roberts, live in Philadelphia and have three children. Aileen is the chair of the Barnes Foundation.
In 2010, Roberts, along with his late brother, Douglas, and his father, presented his mother a Women's Image Network Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.
References
- ^ Fabrikant, Geraldine (1991-02-08). "BUSINESS PEOPLE; Son Succeeds Father As Comcast President". The New York Times. pp. D 6. Archived from the original on 2014-02-14.
- Kellie Patrick Gates (February 14, 2013). "Love: Suzanne (Fleisher) Roberts & Ralph J. Roberts". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- Guttman, Nathan (2 March 2014). "Brian Roberts' Jewish Roots and Outsized Ambition Drive Comcast's Rise in Media". The Forward. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
- Cook, Bonnie L. (2020-04-20). "Suzanne F. Roberts, philanthropist, performer, and broadcaster, dies at 98". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- Philadelphia Inquirer: "A continual spotlight awaits a 'very private' Brian Roberts AT&T deal catapults Comcast's chief to the industry forefront" By Benjamin Y. Lowe December 21, 2001
- "Comcast Biography of Mr. Brian L. Roberts". Retrieved 18 March 2019.
- "Form 10-K".
- "Microsoft invests $1 billion in Comcast". Deseret News. 1997-06-09.
- Derrick, Jayson (2022-01-23). "The Inside Story Of How Bill Gates And Microsoft Earned A 400% Return On Comcast - Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA)". Benzinga.
- Iscrupe, Lisa; Whatley, Hannah. "Xfinity Internet 2025 | Plans, Pricing & Availability". USA Today Home Internet.
- Trey, Paul (2024-12-09). "Xfinity Home Internet Review: Plans, Prices, Coverage and More". CNET.
- Anders, David (2025-01-08). "Best Cable Internet Providers for January 2025". CNET.
- Cohan, William D. (2024-01-10). "The Philadelphia Story". Puck. Archived from the original on 2024-01-10.
- Arango, Tim; Stelter, Brian (2009-11-12). "For Comcast's Chief, Content Led the Way". The New York Times.
- James, Meg (2018-06-10). "Brian Roberts has been the force behind Comcast's growth. Now he's in the hunt for Fox". Los Angeles Times.
- Kelner, Braden (2007-07-01). "Deal-Maker Who Built A National Media Company: Brian L. Roberts, W' 81". Wharton Magazine.
- ^ "Bold Leader Spotlight: Brian L. Roberts, CEO Comcast NBCUniversal". Bold Business. 2018-11-20. Retrieved 2020-04-13.
- Arango, Tim (2009-12-03). "G.E. Makes It Official: It Will Sell NBC to Comcast - The New York Times". archive.md. Archived from the original on 2020-08-27.
- Conrad, Roger (2018-09-25). "Comcast Wins Sky Bid: Step In And Buy". Forbes.
- Spangler, Todd (2018-04-25). "Comcast CEO Brian Roberts: Sky Is a Great Opportunity but Not a 'Necessity'". Variety.
- Comcast Corporation Website: "Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO, Comcast Corporation", comcast.com; retrieved February 12, 2014
- "Equilar 100: CEO Pay at the Largest Companies by Revenue". Equilar. 2024-06-07. Archived from the original on 2024-08-15. Retrieved 2024-08-31.
- "U.S. Cable Industry Launches 'Take Control. It's Easy' Campaign to Help Parents Manage Their Family's TV Viewing" Archived 2015-06-20 at the Wayback Machine April 26, 2005
- ^ "Brian Roberts". The White House.
- "Brian Roberts". The White House.
- "HAIL TO THE CHIEFS". Institutional Investor. 2003-01-01.
- "All-America Executive Team". Institutional Investor.
- "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement". www.achievement.org. American Academy of Achievement.
- ^ "Brian L. Roberts" (Press release). Retrieved April 21, 2012.
- Michael Elkin Jewish Exponent: "Shoah Salute: Personal Meaning for Comcast CEO", jewishexponent.com, May 4, 2011; accessed June 20, 2015.
- "Brian L. Roberts | The Philadelphia Award". The Philadelphia Award.
- Mulligan, Ryan (2022-12-19). "Comcast's Brian Roberts receives 2022 William Penn Award". Philadelphia Business Journal.
- "Roberts Family Gives $15 Million for Proton Therapy Center". The Pennsylvania Gazette. 2007-01-01.
- McCullough, Marie (2016-09-23). "CHOP, Comcast founders announce $50 million genetics initiative". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- "Comcast CEO, Family Donate $5 Million to Buy Laptops for Philly Students". NBC10 Philadelphia. 2020-03-27.
- "University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine Establishes Roberts Family Professorship and Fellowship for Vaccine Research and Development - Penn Medicine". Penn Medicine News. 2021-07-29.
- Michael Elkin "Shoah Salute: Personal Meaning for Comcast CEO" Archived 2016-04-19 at the Wayback Machine, jewishexponent.com, May 4, 2011; accessed June 20, 2015.
- Maccabi USA: "2012 Legends of Maccabiah" Archived 2014-12-21 at the Wayback Machine; retrieved December 20, 2014.
- "The PA Report 'Power 75' List" (PDF). Pennsylvania Report. Capital Growth, Inc. January 31, 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-09-20.
- "Power 50". PoliticsPA. The Publius Group. 2003. Archived from the original on 2004-04-17.
- "Roberts endorses PPACA". Politico. 2009. Archived from the original on 2015-07-02.
- "ROBERTS, BRIAN L". OpenSecrets. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
- Aileen Kennedy Roberts profile, businessweek.com; retrieved July 8, 2012.
- "Philadelphia Award 2012 - Joseph Neubauer and Aileen Roberts were honored for their work on the new Barnes", phillymag,com, May 31, 2012
- "Brian, Doug & Ralph Roberts Presenting Suzanne Roberts Lifetime Achievement Honor". YouTube.com. 6 March 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
- Rifkin, Glenn (19 June 2015). "Ralph Roberts, Cable TV Pioneer Who Built Comcast, Dies at 95". The New York Times, USA. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
External links
Categories:
- 1959 births
- Living people
- Businesspeople from Philadelphia
- American chief executives of Fortune 500 companies
- American media executives
- American male squash players
- BNY Mellon
- American chairpersons of corporations
- Comcast people
- American philanthropists
- Maccabiah Games gold medalists for the United States
- Maccabiah Games medalists in squash
- Competitors at the 2009 Maccabiah Games
- University of Pennsylvania alumni
- American people of Russian-Jewish descent
- American billionaires
- Germantown Academy alumni
- Roberts family (Comcast)
- Competitors at the 1981 Maccabiah Games
- Competitors at the 1985 Maccabiah Games
- Competitors at the 1997 Maccabiah Games
- Competitors at the 2005 Maccabiah Games