Rick Allen

Rick Allen has run successful companies in nearly every form of media, and helped to grow some of the country’s most prestigious brands. Allen is the CEO of SnagFilms, a new digital distribution company formed with AOL Vice-Chairman Ted Leonsis and others that launches later this summer, offering filmmakers an effective method of reaching the broadest global audience at a time when the traditional distribution methods for independent movies have largely broken down. Allen previously was President and CEO of Sporting News, the country’s oldest sports media company, leading a revitalization that saw it named twice to Adweek’s annual “Hot List” as a top-10 media property. Previously, he served as President and CEO of the for-profit arm of the National Geographic Society, responsible for television and film; interactive products, websites and e-commerce; maps; travel; retail; catalog; and consumer products. Under his leadership, the National Geographic Channel was launched and became one of the fastest growing cable channels in recent history. Before coming to National Geographic, Allen was a senior executive at Discovery Communications, parent of the Discovery Channel, where he extended the company’s brand into filmed entertainment, education, technology and retail.

He also served in the White House as a Deputy Assistant to President Clinton, helping to establish AmeriCorps (the domestic Peace Corps). Before his White House service, Allen was CEO of a privately-held group of 35 companies based in Los Angeles. He has written and lectured widely, been active in civic affairs particularly dealing with education, and lives in Potomac Maryland with his wife and three sons.