Tom Freston — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Founding member of the team that created MTV in 1981.
Served as President and CEO of MTV Networks for 17 years, launching networks including Nickelodeon, VH1, and Comedy Central.
Held roles as co-president and co-COO of Viacom, later becoming CEO of the second Viacom.
Started a textile and clothing business, Hindu Kush, in South Asia.
Earned an MBA from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Michael's College.

Biography

Thomas E. Freston, born November 22, 1945, is an American media proprietor, businessman, and financier. He grew up in Rowayton, Connecticut, and received a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Michael's College and an MBA from New York University.

Freston began his career in advertising at Benton & Bowles. In 1972, he moved to South Asia to start a textile and clothing business called Hindu Kush, living and working in New Delhi, India, and Kabul, Afghanistan.