Richard Dean Parsons
Born: April 4, 1948, Brooklyn, NY;
Position: Co-founder and Partner
Company: Imagination Capital
Industry: Venture Capital
Richard D. Parsons boasts a distinguished career spanning various leadership roles across industries. Currently, he serves as the Co-founder and Partner at Imagination Capital and holds the position of senior advisor to Providence Equity Partners. Notably, Mr. Parsons recently assumed the role of interim CEO for the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team.
Prior to his current endeavors, Mr. Parsons held the prestigious position of Chairman of the Board at Citigroup Inc., one of the largest companies in the United States. Taking on the chairmanship on February 23, 2009, he brought his wealth of experience and strategic acumen to the financial giant.
Before his tenure at Citigroup, Mr. Parsons made significant contributions as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Time Warner, a global media conglomerate. During his leadership from May 2002 to December 2007, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, positioning Time Warner for sustained growth and success. Under his stewardship, the company streamlined operations, strengthened its financial foundation, and optimized asset portfolios. His exemplary leadership earned him the distinction of being named the top CEO in the entertainment industry by Institutional Investor magazine.
Mr. Parsons’ career trajectory includes pivotal roles such as Co-Chief Operating Officer at Time Warner, where he oversaw content businesses and key corporate functions. He initially joined Time Warner as President in February 1995, bringing with him a wealth of experience and vision.
Before his tenure at Time Warner, Mr. Parsons served as Chairman and CEO of Dime Bancorp, Inc., and as the managing partner of the esteemed law firm Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler. His early career saw him serve in various capacities in both state and federal government, including roles as counsel for Nelson Rockefeller and as a senior White House aide under President Gerald Ford.
A lifelong learner, Mr. Parsons obtained his undergraduate education from the University of Hawaii and pursued his legal studies at Union University’s Albany Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor degree. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Parsons is an active member of several corporate boards, including Estée Lauder Companies, Lazard Freres, and The Madison Square Garden Company. Additionally, he serves as chairman of the Apollo Theatre Foundation, embodying his commitment to community development and cultural enrichment.