Tom Freston is a Principal of Firefly3, an investment and consultancy firm focusing on the media and entertainment industries. He is both a former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Viacom Inc. One of the founding team at MTV in 1980, he became Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks in 1986 where he oversaw MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, Comedy Central, and other television and digital businesses. He held that position for 17 years. Earlier in his career he ran a textile import business in Afghanistan and India as well as working in advertising in New York City.
Mr. Freston is Board Chair of the ONE Campaign, an advocacy organisation that fights extreme poverty. He is an advisor to the Raine Group, a merchant bank firm. He serves on several boards including Imagine Entertainment, and the think tank New America. He was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2005 Mr. Freston was cited in the Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” issue. He has received many industry honours and awards.
*Also serves on the ONE Action Board.
