Bill Roedy

William H. Roedy (born June 13, 1948) is a British-American business executive, military veteran, and author. He also ran for Mayor of Miami Beach in the 2023 election.

Roedy joined MTV in 1989 as the chief executive and managing director of MTV Europe. In 1994, he became the president of MTV Networks International. By 2007, he was elevated to the position of chairman-CEO of the division. Between 2007 and 2010, Roedy served as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of MTV International.

Roedy is the founder and chairman of MTV's Staying Alive Foundation.

Early life and education

Bill Roedy was born on June 13, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts to a family of Irish descent. At the age of three, his parents separated, and he was subsequently raised by his single mother in Miami. He chose a military career, attended West Point and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970. In 1977, he left his military career to join Harvard Business School and graduated with an MBA degree.

Career

Roedy served in the military from 1970 to 1977, holding the role of an Air Defense Artillery officer. His service record is distinguished by his volunteer duty in the Vietnam War, along with his command of three nuclear missile bases in Italy. During his military career, he also contributed to the operations at three North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) nuclear missile bases situated in Italy. By the conclusion of his service, Roedy had ascended to the rank of Captain. His contributions and bravery during his tenure in the armed forces were recognized with several awards, including the Bronze Star in Vietnam War, Air Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Silver Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

In 1979, Roedy switched his career path and joined HBO as a manager of national accounts. During the subsequent years, he remained a member of the team that spearheaded the international expansion of the network. From 1983 to 1989, he served as vice president of HBO.

In 1989, Roedy joined MTV as the chief executive officer and managing director.

In 1998, Roedy assumed the role of the inaugural ambassador for UNAIDS, an initiative established by the United Nations that concentrates on the global combat against HIV/AIDS.

Between 1999 and 2002, Roedy chaired the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, which he co-founded.

In 2000, following the merger of Viacom with CBS, Roedy, then serving as president of MTV and VH1 International, assumed the role of president at MTV Networks International, overseeing all non-U.S. operations, including Nickelodeon.

In 2002, Roedy received the Award for Business Excellence from U.S. President Bill Clinton, representing the Global Business Coalition and the International AIDS Trust,
in recognition of his exceptional contributions.

In November 2004, Roedy was presented with the International Emmy Founders Award at the 32nd International Emmy Awards. He was honored for his transformative impact on television music and his significant contributions to global AIDS advocacy.

In 2005, Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, appointed Roedy as the founding chair of the Leadership Committee for the Global Media AIDS Initiative.

In 2010, Roedy retired and left MTV Networks as the chairman and CEO of MTV Networks International and vice chairman of MTV Networks. During his tenure, MTV Networks expanded its presence to 162 countries with a network of 172 channels that included MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, VIVA, TMF, Game One, Comedy Central, and Paramount Comedy.

Upon his retirement in 2010, Roedy transitioned into a role as ambassador and Vice Chair for the Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization (GAVI), a public-private organization with an extensive record of administering hundreds of millions of vaccinations across the globe. Roedy also served as the Chair of the Foundation for AIDS Research and as an adviser to the State Department's Foreign Affairs Policy Board.

In 2011, Roedy authored a book titled ''What Makes Business Rock''. The memoir recounted his career progression from military service to the establishment and expansion of MTV, a prominent youth entertainment business, in 165 countries. In the same year, he received an honorary degree from Westminster College and gave the John Findley Green Foundation Lecture.

In 2017, Roedy was awarded the Churchill Fellow title for his contributions to the National Churchill Museum at Westminster College.

In 2020, Roedy received the West Point Distinguished Graduate Award.

In June 2023, Roedy announced his candidacy for the position of Mayor of Miami Beach, Florida as a candidate of the Independent Party of Florida.

Roedy has served on the boards of Westminster College and the American School in London (ASL). He has also held advisory board positions with Baruch College and the Berlin School of Creative Leadership.

Personal life

Roedy is married to Alexandra Roedy and together they have four children. They reside in Miami Beach.

Awards and recognition

* 2002: Award for Business Excellence from U.S. President Bill Clinton
* 2003: Nesuhi Ertegun Person of the Year Award
* 2004: International Emmy Founder's Award
* 2007: AmFAR Award of Courage
* 2008: Joel A. Berger Awardhttps://whatmakesbusinessrock.wiley.com/RoedyWilliamBIO.pdf
* 2008: Doctors of the World Leadership Award
* 2009: UNCA Global Citizen of the Year Award
* 2010: ICRW Innovation Award
* 2011: Cinema for Peace Award
* 2012: Chello Humanitarian Award
* 2015: Cable Hall of Fame
* 2020: Distinguished Graduate of West Point

Bibliography

* Roedy, Bill (2011). ''What Makes Business Rock: Building the World's Largest Global Networks''

Filmography

* 2013: ''Battle of amfAR''

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Roedy, Bill
Living people
1948 births
21st-century American writers
American people of Irish descent
American emigrants to the United Kingdom
MTV people
United States Military Academy alumni
Harvard Business School alumni