Bill Roedy has pursued a lifetime of global service in both the private and public sectors dedicating his life to uniting cultures, freedom for all, and improving well-being worldwide.
As the former Chairman and CEO of MTV International (MTVNI), he built a global operation of 200 channels and 20 brands (including MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central) in 200 countries, reaching two billion people, launching the most channels in television history. He founded and chaired the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, the longest multi-media campaign to fight the AIDS epidemic.
Before MTV, Bill spent a decade at HBO, joining in 1979 as manager of national accounts and eventually serving as Vice President from 1983 to 1989. During that time, he played a key role in the network’s expansion alongside the nation’s top cable providers.
Bill expanded on his work with HIV/AIDS and was appointed the first Ambassador of UNAIDS, was a founding member and Chair of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, was appointed the founding Chair of the Global Media AIDS initiative, became the Chair of amfAR, and was appointed the first Envoy for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI), rising to Vice Chair in 2018.
Bill's accolades include an Emmy Founders Award, amfAR's Award of Courage, the Doctors of the World Leadership Award, and the U.N. Global Citizen of the Year Award. Because of his storied career, he's been honored as a Cable T.V. Pioneer, and in 2015, was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame. In 2020, he was selected as a Distinguished Graduate of West Point and in 2024 he was awarded with the Winston Churchill Leadership Medal by America’s National Churchill Museum at Westminster College.
He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, qualified as Airborne Ranger, volunteered for duty in Vietnam, and commanded nuclear missile bases as part of NATO. He received the Bronze Star, Air Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with Silver Star), and the Meritorious Service Medal for his military service.
Roedy has held business advisor and board roles at Lionsgate, Zumba Fitness, Moshi Monsters, Fitsmi, and private equity firm TowerBrook Capital Partners. He is an executive producer of the film documentary 'Battle of amfAR,' and the author of What Makes Business Rock, CNBC's Best Book of Summer 2011. In that same year, Roedy also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College, and from Westminster College when he gave the John Findley Green Foundation Lecture.
In 2023, Bill ran for Mayor of Miami Beach. He and his wife, Alexandra, are parents to four children and live in Miami Beach.
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“‘The Value Of Social Impact Initiatives & Why Doing Good is Good for Business’ with Bill Roedy” interview by Harvard fellow and multi-award-winning businesswoman Anne Pratt
Awards & Recognition
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(2024) Churchill Leadership Medal
America’s National Churchill Museum and Westminster College salute Mr. Roedy’s tenacious spirit and Churchillian bravery, which served to tear down a wall while pioneering history in a new direction.
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(2023) Gift of Life Honoree
Alex and Bill Roedy were honored by Gift of Life Bone Marrow Registry for their contributions and commitment to the cause.
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(2021) Distinguished Graduate of West Point
The Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) is to be given to graduates of the United States Military Academy whose character, distinguished service, and stature draw wholesome comparison to the qualities for which West Point strives, in keeping with its motto: “Duty, Honor, Country.”
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(2019) Playing for Change Legend Award
The Miami Gala is the premier Playing for Change fundraiser of the year. In 2019 they honored Bill with their Playing for Change Legend Award.
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(2015) Induction into the Cable Hall of Fame
The Cable Hall of Fame is widely accepted within the broadcast industry as the gold standard – it is the highest award of its kind to be bestowed upon the pioneers, visionaries and stars of the electronic arts.
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(2012) Chello Humanitarian Award
Mike Fries, CEO and Vice Chairman of Liberty Global, presented the award to Bill and gave him a glowing introduction.
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(2011) First Envoy/Ambassador of GAVI
Bill Roedy worked closely with Chairs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (shown above) and Manuel Barosso. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and chair of the board of GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccinations and Immunizations), asked Bill to become that foundation’s first envoy/ambassador, to help raise its profile. Click below to watch Bill’s clip encouraging full participation by the private sector in support of GAVI Alliance.
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(2011) Global Media AIDS Initiative Founding Chair
General Kofi Annan appointed Bill Roedy as founding chair of the Global Media AIDS Initiative Leadership Committee. The Global Media AIDS Initiative (GMAI) is an umbrella organization that unites and motivates media companies around the world to use their influence, resources, and creative talent to address AIDS.
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(2011) Induction into Cable Pioneers
Founded 44 years ago on the principle of preserving and celebrating the industry's entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. To be a Cable TV Pioneer, you must have a minimum of 20 years of direct involvement in the cable industry and during those years have made a meaningful contribution in building the industry.
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(2010) ICRW Innovation Award
Presented by Geeta Rao Gupta, ICRW President, in conjunction with 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day, for Bill’s leadership of the Staying Alive HIV/AIDS public education campaign and its impact on young people.
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(2011) Cinema for Peace Awards
Presented during the Berlin Film Festival, for fighting HIV/AIDS through the Staying Alive Campaign by Lupita Nyong’o of the series Shuga.
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(2011) Honorary Doctorate Degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College
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(2011) Honorary Doctorate Degree from Westminster College
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(2009) UNCA Global Citizen of the Year Award
United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA) Global Citizen of the Year Award, presented by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his work in HIV/AIDS and for addressing key issues that affect young people around the world.
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(2008) Doctors of the World Health and Human Rights Leadership Award
In recognition of his extraordinary leadership in the cause of health and human rights, presented by Kelly Rowland.
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(2008) Cable Positive’s Joel A. Berger Award
The cable industry’s AIDS action organization, in recognition of his contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS, presented by Wyclef Jean.
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(2007) amfAR’s Award of Courage
amfAR's awards are bestowed each year on select individuals in recognition of the vision, determination, and courage that mark them as leaders in the fight against AIDS. Presented by Beyonce Knowles in 2007.
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(2006) New York AIDS Film Festival Award
On December 1st 2006, The New York AIDS Festival hosted an Opening Night Red Ball Gala at the New York Public Library. Hosted by Alexandra and Vanessa Kerry, the Gala honored the efforts of noted HIV/AIDS activists, advocates, and decision-makers, including Bill Roedy.
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(2004) International Emmy Founders Award
International Emmy Founders Award for revolutionizing music on television and supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS around the world, presented by Lenny Kravitz.
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(2003) Midem's Person of the Year Award
Bill Roedy was the ninth person to receive the prestigious international accolade in Cannes. The trophy was created in 1989 by Reed Midem, to recognize outstanding music industry figures, and honor their lifetime of achievement.
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(2002) YouthAIDS Family Health International, and the Kaiser Family Foundation
YouthAIDS Family Health International, and the Kaiser Family Foundation, in recognition of his services to HIV/AIDS awareness.
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(2002) Award for Individual Business Leadership
Award for Individual Business Leadership as Chairman of the Global Business Coalition, an honor bestowed by US President Bill Clinton.