Hank J. Ratner

Vice Chairman, Cablevision Systems Corporation, Vice Chairman, Madison Square Garden

Hank J. Ratner is vice chairman of Cablevision Systems Corporation, one of the nation's leading entertainment, media and telecommunications companies. He also serves as vice chairman of Cablevision's Madison Square Garden unit, which includes renowned performance venues, entertainment properties, professional sports teams and television networks.

A long-time Cablevision executive, Mr. Ratner helps to set corporate direction and strategy, and is the primary executive overseeing major business partnerships and transactions. He works closely with Cablevision Chief Executive Officer and MSG Chairman James L. Dolan on the overall advancement of the corporation as well as the day-to-day operations of MSG and its business units. On behalf of the New York Knicks and Rangers, Mr. Ratner serves as alternate governor to the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League.

Prior to being appointed Cablevision vice chairman, Mr. Ratner served as vice chairman of Rainbow Media Holdings, the company's programming subsidiary. At Rainbow, he helped lead the executive management team that has directed AMC, IFC, Bravo, WE tv, Fuse, Mag Rack, News 12 Networks, Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation and Rainbow Sports Networks.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Ratner has been influential in formulating and implementing management activity and strategic direction for Rainbow, Cablevision and MSG. He is currently spearheading the renovation of Madison Square Garden, which will transform the arena's interior into a state-of-the-art building that will significantly enhance the experience of customers, sponsors, athletes and performers. Most recently, Mr. Ratner played a key role in bringing two of the country's landmark showplaces - New York City's legendary Beacon Theatre and the historic Chicago Theatre - under MSG management. In addition, he helped to secure a multi-year deal between MSG and the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. In 2005, Mr. Ratner led Cablevision's negotiations with Fox to restructure the ownership of assets held by Regional Programming Partners, a partnership between the two companies. Among other benefits, this restructuring gave Cablevision 100 percent ownership of MSG and its properties.

In addition, Mr. Ratner has a long history of managing Cablevision's sports and entertainment programming rights and relationships, as well as its programming development efforts. In this capacity, Mr. Ratner negotiated Rainbow's sale of Bravo to NBC. He also played a primary role in the agreement between Rainbow and MGM, and the establishment and management of Rainbow's long and fruitful partnership with NBC.

Committed to helping New York-area children, Mr. Ratner also serves as chairman of The Garden of Dreams Foundation, the non-profit that works closely with all areas of MSG to make dreams come true for children in crisis. He has been a driving force behind the creation and significant expansion of the charity's programs, which include unforgettable projects, events and experiences with the Knicks, Rangers, Liberty, MSG Entertainment, Fuse and MSG Media.

Mr. Ratner joined Cablevision as assistant general counsel in 1987. A year later, he moved to Rainbow Media, where he oversaw the programming pioneer's legal and business affairs departments in various capacities. Appointed the subsidiary's chief operating officer in 1998, Mr. Ratner was named vice chairman of Rainbow Media in 2002 before moving to Cablevision and MSG later that year.

Previously, Mr. Ratner was an associate with the law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell. He received a bachelor's degree and doctorate of law with distinction from Emory University.