Andy Orgel
Andy Orgel is a highly regarded media and entertainment executive and thought leader, known for his deep start-up experience, creation of disruptive, global content brands, building best-in-class teams and scaling businesses through on- and off-line marketing and distribution channels. He possesses a keen understanding of the relationship of technology and consumer behavior. And, he is a pioneer and architect of interactive and digital media and the evolving, multi-screen universe.
Andy has a strong track record of excellence in leadership, management and product development knowledge. He has a unique combination of for-profit and non-profit experience. He concentrates on media, telecommunications, technology and entertainment companies as well as non-profit organizations that work to make a global impact. Andy’s expertise includes working with companies and organizations to attract, engage and monetize large- scale audiences and customer bases; he develops innovative ways of generating new revenue streams and new strategic business relationships; and, he advises companies on how to “balance the money with the mission” – in the evolution of increasing conscious capitalism, profits with purpose and both individual and corporate social impact.
Andy gained experience as an entrepreneur and start-up executive at the inception of MTV, A&E, Nickelodeon, The Movie Channel, US West Interactive Video Enterprises, CBS FM National Advertising Sales and the first interactive TV network, “The Box,” a NASDAQ company (bought by MTV Networks). He served as VP, Sales & Marketing, MTV, Nickelodeon and The Movie Channel; VP, Marketing & Sales, and then Senior VP, Programming & Production at A&E; CEO of “The Box;” and President of Wisdom Media, in the personal and global sustainability sector. He co-created the first 3 digital TV networks and the first technology-media crossover team in the evolution of digital media with telecom giant U S West. He was labeled by Success Magazine as an “MTV Mastermind” and the man who “made TV interactive,” and is well known for innovation and creativity with building well-known, high profile content. He is currently Chairman & CEO of QOL Media, Inc., an emerging, global media company in the “integrated quality of life” category, in the areas personal and global sustainability, health and wellness, global citizenship and social responsibility. He is a Co-Founder of G Media Partners, where, among other businesses, he co-created “GlobalShift TV,” a digital channel already on Roku, XBOX360, LG and Samsung. And, he is a Partner in Creative Expansion, a consulting company that helps businesses to be more corporately responsible.
He has worked with 22 non-profits, in various relationships, over the past 10 years, serves on the board of two, and has worked with 2 universities in the creation of new academic programs.
In addition to working with non-profit organizations, Andy “gives back” to youth within the higher education community. He has served for 10 years as Chairman of the Advisory Board, Ithaca College Park School of Communications, created 2 media courses there along with China’s Renmin University, China West Normal University, Seoul’s Hanyang University and the University of Liberia, Monrovia and helped create the “Executive Masters in Global Communications Innovation” at the college.
“Spark!” is a first semester required course for all first semester freshmen on the global media landscape; and “ Media for Social Responsibility,” a course that deep dives into the areas where journalism does a less-than-perfect job of covering issues like Environmental Sustainability, The Global Food Crisis, Coverage of Natural Disasters, Media and Body Image, Politics and Comedy and Global Health & Wellness. He has personally mentored 100+ students and continues to do so, created a new business incubator for students and re-engaged 250 industry alumni with the college. He has recently been asked to work with a New Orleans development company and Southern University of New Orleans, rebuilding after its own natural disaster, in the establishment of a Media & Film Institute to provide an initiative to help students and others to enter and thrive in the areas of journalism, media production, operations, marketing, distribution and sales.
Andy has helped to raise $200 million for new media and entertainment businesses. He is a sought-after speaker at major industry events in the areas of digital media, lifestyle brands, start-up channels, innovative content and marketing; most recently speaking at the Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum, Hong Kong, where he spoke of “21st Century Content Creation.”
Other industry leaders have said that Andy has a unique skill set and broad knowledge of entertainment, technology, business strategy, product marketing, handling tough company internal issues, working with turnaround and dysfunctional organizations; that he is a highly effective communicator, collaborator, coach and consensus builder. He is known for his engaging style, strong personality, humor and approachability.
Orgel has been married for 37 years to Nancy Orgel, another respected industry executive, formerly of ABC Television and Viacom, and also a graduate of Ithaca College. Together they serve as co-CEOs of their family, responsible for the startup, design, development, management, programming, marketing and financing of two loving and loved children. These children have consistently high video ratings, increasing internet and cell phone traffic, first-rate social networking skills and have won awards in instant messaging, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. They provide unprecedented return on investment. One has already completed a merger with a wife. Both children are contemplating spin-offs in coming seasons. (The parents are hoping for long runs in syndication.)