NCTA Chief Michael Powell to Retire this Year

Michael Powell will retire as President and CEO of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association later this year, a position he’s held since April 2011. The NCTA board will begin a national search for his successor, which includes advocating for broadband/video operators as well as content companies and programming networks.

“Serving this incredible industry has been deeply rewarding. NCTA is unique—working at the intersection of broadband innovation and creative video content has been an extraordinary experience. But above all, I have been fortunate to work alongside talented, committed and caring colleagues,” said Powell, who served as Chairman of the FCC from 2001 to 2005.

During his tenure, Powell guided a strategic restructuring and rebranding to modernize NCTA. That included a name refresh that moved the association away from the word cable along with the elimination of its 50-year-old annual trade show, most recently known as INTX (before that it was referred to as The Cable Show or the National Show). He also has shepherded the industry through multiple fights over Title II regulation for broadband, championed polices for expanding broadband access and was a leader in the industry’s 10G initiative. Last month, Powell testified before the House Communications subcommittee, pushing for more unlicensed spectrum as well as mechanisms for spectrum sharing to fuel improvements to the technology.

“Michael has been an unwavering champion for our industry,” Mark Greatrex, Chairman of the NCTA board and President of Cox Communications, said in a statement. “He has been our most gifted storyteller, representing us with passion and expertise. His strategic insight and commitment have shaped the cable industry’s most significant achievements, and his leadership will be greatly missed.”