The founder and Chairman/CEO of one of the nation’s most successful independently owned MVPDs, recognized as one of the most successful Italian immigrant entrepreneurs in our nation’s history, has died.
“Rocco Commisso was a pioneering entrepreneur whose nearly five-decade career helped shape the modern cable and broadband industry,” said ACA Connects President/CEO Grant Spellmeyer. “Through the founding and growth of Mediacom, Rocco built a company that brought advanced communications services to millions of homes and businesses. His vision, leadership, and long-term commitment to his company and employees leave a lasting mark on our industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Commisso family and the entire Mediacom team during this difficult time.”
Commisso founded Mediacom Communications in 1995, with a goal to acquire and reinvigorate cable systems in the nation’s underserved smaller communities. In 2000, he directed a successful initial public offering for Mediacom, paving the way for the company’s dramatic growth into the nation’s fifth largest cable television provider. He took the company private in 2011; today Mediacom is wholly owned by the Commisso family.
After a decade in the financial community at such institutions as Chase Manhattan Bank and RBC, Commisso took the CFO role at the Dolan’s Cablevision Industries Corp. He was in the role from 1986 until starting his own firm.
Aside from Mediacom ownership, Commisso in June 2019 acquired Serie A calcio club ACF Fiorentina, becoming President of the world renowned Italian soccer team.
