Hayes, Rob

An early leader in the digital and entertainment space, Rob’s career spans two decades of business transformation and industry innovation. As Chief Business Officer at Dow Jones, he leads revenue growth initiatives for key sectors including audio & video, new business development, partnership operations, and live events. As the head of digital at NBC Entertainment, his cross-platform knowledge and deep understanding of technology, premium content, data analytics and consumers helped propel the network back into its #1 network position. In addition, he played an integral role in the launch of the NBCU streaming service, Peacock.

Rob ran the operations and P&L for all of NBC Entertainment's digital AVOD, D2C and TV Everywhere initiatives including connected devices, online and mobile. Rob and his 200+ person team were responsible for overall day-to-day management of digital business development and strategy, monetization, product management, technology, data science/analytics, production, editorial, multi-platform content creation, digital marketing, social, creative, ecommerce and merchandising.

In addition, overseeing NBC’s content on Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Instagram, Rob ensured NBC Entertainment properties – including This Is Us, The Voice, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live – enjoyed huge success and were monetized across digital channels as part of the network’s integrated storytelling strategy.

In 2016, Rob was recognized with the Lucy Hood Digerati Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which honors individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the interactive and digital media communities. He has also received numerous Emmy nominations and industry awards, including Primetime Emmys.

Prior to NBC, Rob was the COO of IconicTV which launched JayZ's YouTube Channels; Life & Times, and Uno, Dos, Tres. Before that, Rob made his name at Viacom’s Showtime Networks Inc. where he oversaw the network’s international and digital businesses, developing robust multi-platform SVOD platforms and services.

His speaker engagements include CNBC, NPR, NAMIC, Consumer Electronic Show (CES), Variety Jupiter Media Metrix, Pro Max/BDA, and Digital Hollywood.