Rocco Benito Commisso is an Italian-born American billionaire businessman who has made significant contributions in the fields of cable television and football. As the founder, chairman, and CEO of Mediacom, one of the largest cable television companies in the US, and the owner of both the New York Cosmos and ACF Fiorentina football clubs, Commisso has established himself as a prominent figure in both industries. This article delves into his early life, education, career, and his impact on the world of cable television and football.
Early Life And Education
Born in Calabria, Italy, in 1949, Rocco Benito Commisso migrated to the United States at the age of 12. He attended Mount Saint Michael Academy in the Bronx and later pursued his higher education at Columbia University. Commisso earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Columbia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science in 1971. He furthered his education by obtaining an MBA from Columbia Business School in 1975. During his time at Columbia, Commisso excelled both academically and athletically, serving as co-captain of the varsity football (soccer) team and being elected president of the business school student body.
Career In Cable Television
Commisso began his career at Pfizer Inc. before transitioning to the financial industry, where he worked at Chase Manhattan Bank and Royal Bank of Canada. In 1986, he joined Cablevision Industries Corporation as Executive Vice President, chief financial officer, and Director. Under his leadership, Cablevision Industries experienced significant growth, becoming the 8th largest cable company in the United States. In 1995, Commisso founded Mediacom Communications Corporation, initially acquiring cable systems in underserved smaller American communities. Mediacom went public in 2000 and grew to become the 8th largest cable operator in the US, with annual revenues surpassing $1.6 billion. In 2011, Commisso took Mediacom private, making it wholly-owned by him. The company has been recognized as the best cable company in the US in 2016 and 2009 by CableFAX magazine.
Impact In Football
Aside from his successful career in cable television, Commisso has also made significant contributions to the world of football. His passion for the sport began during his time as a player for the Columbia University Lions in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Commisso’s skills and leadership on the field earned him recognition as a three-time All-Ivy League honoree. He has remained closely connected to Columbia’s men’s soccer program, serving as the Chairman of Friends of Columbia Soccer from 1978 to 1986. Columbia University named its association football venue, located at the Baker Athletics Complex, as the Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium in his honor in 2013.
In January 2017, Commisso purchased a majority ownership stake in the New York Cosmos soccer club, a team with a rich history in American soccer. As the new chairman, he made strategic moves to support the team, including relocating its games to MCU Park in Coney Island. Commisso’s acquisition of the Cosmos was seen as a sign of support for the struggling team and the North American Soccer League. In 2019, he expanded his football ownership by purchasing ACF Fiorentina, an Italian football club. Commisso’s vision for Fiorentina includes growing the club’s brand in the US market, with plans for participation in prestigious tournaments like the International Champions Cup.
Recognition And Personal Life
Throughout his career, Rocco Benito Commisso has received numerous awards and recognition for his business achievements. He was named among Columbia University’s 250 greatest undergraduate alumni of all time in 2004. He has also been honored with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Innovator Award for Business Strategy from Cablevision magazine, and the National Italian American Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, among others. In 2018, Commisso was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.
Commisso is married to Catherine, and they have two children. They reside in Saddle River, New Jersey. Catherine Commisso is actively involved in Mediacom as the head of corporate administration.
Rocco Benito Commisso’s Net Worth
Rocco Benito Commisso, has boasts an impressive net worth of $8 billion as of October 2023, according to Forbes. His remarkable financial success has earned him a prominent position on the Forbes Lists world billionaire ranking, currently ranked at 114 in the world.
