Shane Smith

Shane Smith is the founder and CEO of VICE, a global youth media brand. Smith is a critically acclaimed journalist and one of the Internet’s most respected visionaries. Under Smith’s guidance, VICE, initially launched in 1994 as a punk magazine, has expanded and diversified to become the world’s leading youth media company; operating an international network of digital channels, a television production studio, a record label, an in-house creative services agency, a book-publishing house and a feature film division. An expert on global youth culture and industry innovator, Smith has been described by the New York Times as “a voice of a generation of too-cool DJs and artists who wear rolled selvedge jeans and chunky glasses…[and] a conduit for corporate America to reach that elusive audience.” In 2007, Smith partnered with renowned film director Spike Jonze to launch VICE’s digital video production division, which today produces over 60 award-winning original series dedicated to news, sports, fashion, music, technology, and the arts. To syndicate VICE’s content globally, Smith established a network of content distribution partnerships with leading platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Youku, CNN and others. VICE’s online presence has since exploded, with its network of channels reaching over 200mm unique visitors a month, generating over 1bn video views globally. In 2013, Smith executive produced and hosted the Emmy nominated news series titled VICE on HBO that features VICE correspondents reporting from across the world; comedian and political satirist Bill Maher serves as executive producer of the show. As VICE’s chief on-air correspondent, Smith has reported from such locations as North Korea, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, Afghanistan and Liberia. Smith graduated with honors from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, with a B.A. in history and political science. Smith currently resides in New York City with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys cold white wine and long, bubbly baths—preferably in tandem.