JOHN SYKES
President, Network Development,
MTV Networks

John Sykes is President of Network Development for MTV Networks, where he oversees the development and launch of new branded television and multi-platform networks.

Sykes helped create MTV Networks 25 years ago, when he served on the original executive team that developed and launched MTV in 1981, and then VH1 in 1985.  He was Vice President of Programming and Production for MTV, which today reaches more than 416 million homes and 171 countries around the world.

Sykes returned to MTV Networks in 1994, where he served for eight years as President of VH1, one of the premier networks in cable television. While at VH1, Sykes led the music network to unprecedented ratings, revenue growth and critical acclaim. Under his leadership, VH1 premiered ground-breaking original programming like “Behind the Music,” “Storytellers,” and “Pop Up Video,” as well as signature special events like “VH1 Divas” and the annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.  In 1997, Sykes instituted the VH1 “Save The Music” program, which helps raise public awareness about the importance of music education for our nation’s public school children. This program has funded nearly $30 million worth of musical instruments for 1200 schools, affecting the lives of more than 500,000 children.

In 2002, Sykes joined Infinity Broadcasting as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, overseeing 185 radio stations reaching more 70 million listeners a week and generating $2 billion in annual revenue.  There, he launched Infinity’s Adopt a School program, which used the airtime at the Company’s six powerful New York radio stations to encourage local New York businesses to adopt public schools and mentor young school children.

Sykes, along with Miramax Chairman Harvey Weinstein and Cablevision Chairman Jim Dolan, produced the Concert for New York City in October 2001 to benefit the victims of the attacks on 9/11.  The five-and-half hour concert, which was televised around the world, raised more than $36 million.  
He currently serves as a board member of The Robin Hood Foundation, the premier charity that fights poverty in New York City, VH1 Save The Music Foundation and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  He also serves as a member of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School Advisory Board.  Sykes received his bachelor’s degree in communications from Syracuse University’s S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications, as well as an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Music from the renowned Berklee School.