FORA.tv Speaker - Russell Sapienza

Russ is a senior partner in PwC's Advisory Practice with 29 years of experience in the media, entertainment, communications, and financial services industries. He has several distinct roles in the firm.

Lead Advisory partner for several major client account teams, namely; AT&T Entertainment Services, Publicis Groupe, and IAC/InterActive Corp. Russ recently completed a four-year assignment as the Global Relationship Partner for the PwC account team that served SBC Communications, Inc. and AT&T Inc.

A senior member of PwC's business planning and performance management practice, focusing in areas such as revenue growth and management, business process controls (in areas such as online commerce), regulatory compliance (in areas such as consumer privacy) and risk management.

During Russ' 20 years with PwC, he has focused on the media, entertainment, communications sectors. His practice works with clients to implement and execute the operational, financial, and management structures necessary to achieve revenue growth objectives.

His recent work has ranged from conducting "Voice of the Market" studies, supporting a Chief Regulatory compliance Officer in an assessment of pre-texting related matters across customer care centers, and reviewing back office practices prior to off-shoring.

Russ has led numerous projects directed at improving the operational readiness of his clients across the three screens (TV, PC, and mobile), especially in the area of revenue management and cost reduction. In addition, he co-founded a practice that has accounted for over $1.5 billion of revenue recovery and improvement opportunities for communications and media industry clients. The practice focuses on providing strategic, analytical, and operational support in areas that focus on maximizing revenues (e.g., billing accuracy, operational systems management, order processing, customer retention and winback).