Robert Tercek

Robert Tercek is one of the world's most prolific creators of interactive content, with over 25 years of experience in the digital media industry. He has crafted breakthrough entertainment experiences across a variety of digital platforms, including satellite television, game consoles, broadband Internet, interactive television, and mobile networks. Positioned at the crossroads of entertainment, telecommunication, and computing, Tercek assists organizations in visualizing and executing new technologies to create compelling consumer products. His role as both an entrepreneur and an artist enhances his visually dynamic presentations, which not only rekindle a passion for creativity but also illuminate the practical aspects of innovation.

Tercek's career features a series of significant firsts: he launched the first multichannel television service in Asia (STAR TV in 1991); developed the first multiplayer Java games on the web with Sony in 1997; introduced the first interactive game shows on US television with Sony in 1999; and pioneered the world's first streaming video service on mobile phones (PacketVideo and NTT DoCoMo's V-Live, 2001). His projects have reached massive audiences, such as Oprah Winfrey's 2009 webcasts and the most popular free book download in history (Suze Orman on Oprah.com, 2009). In 2009, he was recognized as one of the 25 Executives to Watch by Digital Media Wire and has been acknowledged by Variety as one of the Digital Dozen most influential figures in new media.

In his executive roles, Tercek has significantly influenced major media companies. He served as the President of Digital Media at OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network and was the Senior Vice President of Digital Media at Sony Pictures Entertainment. His earlier tenure as Creative Director at MTV: Music Television further underscores his extensive media background. He also co-founded five startup ventures, including 7th Level, Inc., which went public in 1993.

Beyond his executive and creative roles, Tercek has been a steadfast advisor to numerous companies and startups, such as Nokia, Motorola, Sony Computer Entertainment, BrightCove, and NevenVision (acquired by Google), helping them navigate the networked entertainment market. He has also been a strategic consultant for motivational speakers and authors like Anthony Robbins and Oprah Winfrey, guiding the development of their online programs.

Tercek is also an educator, serving as an adjunct professor and lecturer at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema-Television, where he introduced the curriculum for interactive media. His academic role complements his professional work, enabling him to share his extensive knowledge with upcoming generations.

His contributions to digital media continue to be recognized, as evidenced by his election as a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts in 2008 and his active participation as a voting member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Tercek's keynote speeches, such as "How Creative Thinking Leads to Breakthrough Business Ideas" and "The Future of Digital Media: Mobile, Social, and the Internet of Things," showcase his expertise and thought leadership in the industry.