Leo J. Hindery, Jr.

Leo J. Hindery, Jr. is an American media and telecommunications executive, investor, and prominent advocate for progressive economic policies. He is best known for his leadership roles at major cable television companies, including TCI and the YES Network, and for his influential work in Democratic Party political circles. Hindery has been a significant voice on issues of trade policy, manufacturing, and income inequality, often advising presidential campaigns and serving on key economic advisory boards.

Early life and education

Leo Hindery was born in Seattle and raised in a Roman Catholic family. He attended Seattle Preparatory School before enrolling at Seattle University, where he earned a bachelor's degree. He later pursued graduate studies at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, completing the Stanford Executive Program. His early professional experience included a stint at the Ford Motor Company, which provided a foundational understanding of American manufacturing and industrial policy.

Business career

Hindery's business career is centered on the cable television and telecommunications industries. He rose to prominence as President of Tele-Communications Inc. (TCI), then the nation's largest cable operator, under CEO John Malone. In 1999, he became Chairman and CEO of Global Crossing, a major fiber-optic network company, navigating it through the turbulent dot-com bubble. He later served as the founding Chairman and CEO of the YES Network, the regional sports network for the New York Yankees, playing a crucial role in its launch and success. His investment activities have been conducted through InterMedia Partners, a private equity firm he founded, which focuses on media investments.

Political involvement and advocacy

Hindery is a well-known figure in Democratic politics and economic policy debates. He served as the economic policy advisor to John Edwards during his 2008 presidential campaign and has advised other prominent figures, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He is a fellow at the New America Foundation and has chaired the Smart Globalization Initiative at the Aspen Institute. His advocacy focuses heavily on fair trade agreements, the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing, and combating income inequality, positions he has articulated in opinion pieces for publications like *The Huffington Post* and through his role with the Council on Foreign Relations.

Philanthropy and civic engagement

His philanthropic efforts are channeled through the Hindery Foundation, which supports education, social justice, and the arts. He has served on the board of directors for the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and was a member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations under President Bill Clinton. Hindery has also been actively involved with Seattle University, his alma mater, and supports various initiatives aimed at workforce development and economic opportunity.

Personal life

Leo Hindery is married to Patricia Hindery, and the couple has two children. He maintains residences in New York City and San Francisco. An avid art collector, he has a noted interest in contemporary American art. Despite his significant corporate background, he has consistently positioned himself as a critic of corporate excess and a proponent of economic justice.

Category:American business executives Category:American political advisers Category:1948 births Category:Living people Category:People from Seattle