Former Disney Exec Tapped For Commerce
President Obama on Wednesday nominated Dennis Hightower, an entertainment industry veteran, to become deputy secretary at the Commerce Department. Hightower has more than 30 years of experience in global marketing, strategic planning, operations and international general management, according to the White House personnel announcement. Most recently, he served as CEO of Europe Online Networks S.A., a privately held broadband interactive entertainment company based in Luxembourg.
From 1987 to 1996, Hightower led multi-billion dollar enterprises as president of the Walt Disney Company's television and communications operation and president of consumer products for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Hightower also recently served on the boards of directors for Accenture, Domino's Pizza, Lightfleet (a start-up high-tech firm), and Brown Capital Management. He formerly served on the boards of the Gillette Company, Northwest Airlines, PanAmSat Corp., Phillip-Van Heusen Corp., TJX, and as a member of the Price Waterhouse Chairman's Advisory Council.
Additionally, Hightower taught at Harvard Business School, where he focused on leadership, building emerging markets and global general management. He is a decorated Vietnam veteran and was a member of the Defense Business Board. Hightower was an Army officer for eight years, rising to the rank of Major by age 27, according to his bio.
Join the Discussion
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus