Michael E. Kassan is an internationally recognized leader operating at the intersection of the media, advertising, and entertainment industries.

Mr. Kassan is founder and managing principal of Media Link, LLC, a Los Angeles and New York City-based strategic advisory firm which acts as an advisor to many of the Fortune 100’s best-of-breed global brands - companies such as Microsoft, AT&T, Unilever, Home Depot, Colgate-Palmolive, The Walt Disney Company, Viacom, Comcast, Bain & Co., Cerberus Capital Management, General Atlantic, Fremantle and Sony to name a few.
 
A well-respected subject matter expert within the media and advertising fields, Mr. Kassan is often called upon as speaker and commentator to share his insights on the industry, changes within it, growth, and where tangible opportunities exist for marketers.  He is a regular keynote speaker at the world’s major media conferences.
 
Previously, Mr. Kassan was the President/Chief Operating Officer and Vice-Chairman of Initiative Media Worldwide.  In 1997, he was named one of the top media executives in America by Advertising Age magazine.  Mr. Kassan joined Initiative Media Worldwide in 1994.  While there, he helped grow media billings from $1.5 billion to over $10 billion.  Prior to Initiative, Mr. Kassan was President and COO of International Video Entertainment (Artisan Entertainment).
 
Mr. Kassan has served on the Board of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society, the Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy, the Cultural Affairs Commission – City of Los Angeles and has also has been Chairman of the State Senate Select Committee on the Entertainment Industry. 
 
Mr. Kassan plays an active role in children’s education and mentorship, having been involved in both the H.E.L.P. Group, a non-profit organization serving children with special needs, and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program of Los Angeles.