Cable veteran and current Turner Broadcasting System Inc.
executive William Grumbles announced his retirement last Thursday after 30 years of cable
service.
Grumbles will retire as TBS' president of worldwide
distribution at the end of the year. He has been with TBS for 10 years, but he spent much
of his career at Home Box Office, where he began in 1978 as a regional sales manager and
ascended to vice president of affiliate operations.
He joined TBS in 1989 as executive vice president of Turner
Network Sales, and he formed Turner International in 1991, where he eventually served as
chairman. He assumed his current position in 1996.
Before HBO, Grumbles worked at MSO TelePrompTer Corp.
"It's been a fabulous 30 years, and I am
fortunate to have been part of this magnificent industry during its unparalleled period of
innovation and growth," Grumbles said.
Industry executives lauded Grumbles' career, calling
him a "visionary" and touting his outstanding leadership abilities.
"For more than a decade, our company has been the
beneficiary of Bill's experience, wisdom and strong professional relationships,"
TBS chairman and CEO Terry McGuirk said. "No one in our industry is more widely
respected for his integrity, intellect and humanity."
Although he is officially retiring, Grumbles said he still
wants to "give back" to the industry in some capacity, although nothing has been
set in stone.
