One of Walt Disney Company’s most famous former Chief Executive Officers, Michael Eisner, continues his dedication to leading in media and business. Currently, among other things, he hosts and is executive producer of Conversations with Michael Eisner which airs on Mondays at CNBC.

His affiliation with the entertainment industry began right after he graduated in 1964 with a degree in English from Denison University. He worked for some time at NBC and CBS before he truly began his career with the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) as assistant to the national programming director. Eventually, he earned the title of senior vice president for primetime programming. In 1976, he joined Paramount Pictures Corporation as its president and chief operating officer. It was during his time that the studio produced hit movies and TV series classics such as Saturday Night Fever, Grease, Laverne & Shirley and Family Ties. He left the company in 1984.

Michael Eisner went to the then struggling Walt Disney Productions, and became its CEO at the same time Frank Wells of Warner Brothers fame was brought in to salvage the company. This began a complete revolutionary turn-around for Disney. One move incorporated adult offerings in film with the acquisition of Miramax Films, as well as other media sources such as ABC and ESPN. It was under his tenure that “The Disney Decade” plan for new theme parks, films, and media investments was implemented.

After leaving the company in 2005, Michael Eisner took it as an opportunity to define the kind of movies and TV shows he believed should be made. Today, he is trying his hand at creating media and entertainment with his privately held investment firm, The Tornante Company. One of its more recent ventures is putting money in Veoh, an Internet video distribution network. His firm’s other current involvements include online video production company Vuguru (producers of Prom Queen), Internet serial drama SamHas7Friends, and sports trading card & bubble gum maker Topps.

Michael Eisner has also penned several books such as Camp, Be Our Guest, Work in Progress and Thank You, Teacher. The California State University Northridge has named its College of Education in his honor.