Frank A. Bennack, Jr.

Frank A. Bennack Jr. is executive vice chairman of Hearst, one of the nation's largest private companies engaged in publishing, broadcasting, cable networking, and diversified media and information activities. A San Antonio native, Bennack began his career as a host of television and radio programs as a teenager and later entered publishing in his hometown, rising from classified advertising salesman to newspaper publisher by age 34. He held various management positions, including a seven-year tenure as publisher and editor of the San Antonio Light, before advancing through Hearst's corporate ranks as executive vice president and chief operating officer, and earlier as vice president and general manager of the Hearst Newspaper Group.

Bennack served as Hearst's CEO for more than 28 years, overseeing significant growth in company revenues and earnings through investments, acquisitions, and startups. Under his leadership, the company launched cable networks with partner ABC (now the Walt Disney Company), including A&E, HISTORY, and Lifetime, and invested in the ESPN family of networks, which expanded globally. Bennack guided Hearst's diversification and international expansion, including the acquisition of Lagardère's international magazine titles, healthcare information leader MCG, global ratings agency Fitch Group, and newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle and the San Francisco Chronicle. During his tenure, Hearst launched magazines including "Country Living," "Food Network Magazine," "HGTV Magazine," "Marie Claire," and "O, the Oprah Magazine."

Bennack's influence extends to corporate governance, with board roles impacting finance at J.P. Morgan Chase, retail at Allied Stores (now Federated/Macy's Inc.), and pharmaceuticals at Wyeth, which was acquired by Pfizer. He has served as an independent director and lead independent director of Ralph Lauren Corporation, chairman of the company's executive committee, director of Hearst, and trustee of the Hearst Family Trust.

Bennack is the author of "Leave Something on the Table," which shares insights and lessons from his experiences with U.S. presidents, industry leaders, editors, and broadcasters, emphasizing core principles and professional wisdom. His industry recognition includes the Gold Medal from the International Radio & Television Society, the Trustees' Award (Emmy) from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Center for Communication Award, the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Advertising Council, and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Broadcasters. He has been inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Texas Business Hall of Fame.

Bennack is a governor and former chairman of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and its Healthcare System, managing director of the Metropolitan Opera of New York, chairman emeritus of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and chairman of the Paley Center for Media. He also served as chairman of the Newspaper Association of America. Bennack's decades of leadership across media, philanthropy, and civic life position him as an authoritative voice on business strategy, media transformation, and the values that define responsible journalism.