Debra L. Lee

Chair of Leading Women Defined Foundation; Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Networks

Ms. Lee is Chair of Leading Women Defined Foundation (nonprofit education and advocacy organization), which she founded in 2009. Previously, she served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Networks (media and entertainment subsidiary of Viacom, Inc.) from 2006 to 2018.

Ms. Lee joined BET Networks in 1986, serving as President and Chief Executive Officer from 2005 to 2006, President and Chief Operating Officer from 1995 to 2005, and Executive Vice President and General Counsel from 1986 to 1995, originally receiving her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. She founded the Monarchs Collective in 2020 to help accelerate the development and placement of diverse talent in executive leadership and board room roles.

In addition, Ms. Lee has served on the boards of various civic organizations, including on the Board of Trustees of The American Film Institute and of the Paley Center for Media, as President Emeritus of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, and as Trustee Emeritus of Brown University.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Ms. Lee brings a depth of Leadership, Strategy, and Risk Management experience to the Board, gained through her long-tenured leadership of BET Networks and her service on numerous public company boards. As a result of her experience and service, her depth and breadth of knowledge on matters of Corporate Governance allows her to provide the Board with valuable perspective on oversight and accountability in a dynamic operating environment.

Ms. Lee is also recognized for her advocacy for gender and racial equality and human rights throughout her more than 30-year career in media and public life. This same experience, including as a seasoned executive in the media industry, along with her broad board experience, provide her with extensive Marketing and Consumer Industry skills, which are particularly valuable as the Company continues to evolve its media strategy.