Stephen Diener(1938-2019)
- Producer
Stephen I. Diener, international music and entertainment executive, and media entrepreneur. After graduating from Tulane University, he began his professional career in New York City at Young & Rubicam and Revlon. Pursuing a love for the arts and entertainment, he entered the music industry and held various executive positions at CBS Records International before departing to Paris to head CBS Records France.
Diener relocated to Los Angeles where he was named President of ABC Records in 1977. At the time, the ABC roster included such multi-platinum recording artists as Steely Dan, Tom Petty, Jimmy Buffett and The Commodores, among many others. Subsequently, he would lead and oversee the sale of the ABC record label to MCA Corporation.
Returning to CBS International in the early 80s, relocating to Miami as Executive Vice President where he oversaw the marketing operations of the European and Latin American divisions. Later, as a pioneer in the home video business, he was named President of 20th Century Fox Video at the birth of the industry.
In the mid-80s, he served as Chairman/CEO of Heron Communications, a privately-owned home entertainment company, after which he led a private-equity acquisition of the legendary Fred Astaire Dance Studios where he also served as Chairman/CEO.
Diener relocated to Los Angeles where he was named President of ABC Records in 1977. At the time, the ABC roster included such multi-platinum recording artists as Steely Dan, Tom Petty, Jimmy Buffett and The Commodores, among many others. Subsequently, he would lead and oversee the sale of the ABC record label to MCA Corporation.
Returning to CBS International in the early 80s, relocating to Miami as Executive Vice President where he oversaw the marketing operations of the European and Latin American divisions. Later, as a pioneer in the home video business, he was named President of 20th Century Fox Video at the birth of the industry.
In the mid-80s, he served as Chairman/CEO of Heron Communications, a privately-owned home entertainment company, after which he led a private-equity acquisition of the legendary Fred Astaire Dance Studios where he also served as Chairman/CEO.