Who: Sumner Redstone, Chairman of Viacom and CBS

In 1954 joined National Amusements, a movie-theater management company run by his father. Named CEO in 1971. Acquired Viacom in 1987 and CBS in 2000. Businesses include the CBS television network, MTV networks, Paramount Pictures, Infinity Broadcasting, and Simon & Schuster.

Previous employment: Partner at a Washington, D.C., law firm; special assistant to the US Attorney General.

First paying job: Working a concession stand at a drive-in movie theater.

Education: B.A. from Harvard; LL.B from Harvard Law School.

What you may not know: Redstone worked as a codebreaker for the US Army during World War II.

Related Links

Sumner Redstone's bio

Interview transcript

On the Web

Speech: His approach
Speech to the Commonwealth Club of California about his approach to business and the importance of "risking greatness." (June 2001)

Speech: The media business
Speech to Town Hall Los Angeles about the future of the media business. (November 2000)

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