Dean DeBiase
Dean DeBiase is Chairman of Reboot Partners, a global growth management and board advisement group that helps organizations tackle thier most challenging issues, seize emerging market opportunities and inspire people to deliver on the next generation of innovation, value and tangible business results.
One of the pre-eminent voices in the advancement of the innovation economy, Dean has built global companies in media, digital advertising, social networking, games, entertainment, technology, SaaS, e-commerce, mobile, video and Internet industries, and has led organizations through expansion, turnaround, divestiture, Reboot, M&A and IPO growth phases.
A new media innovator who takes companies to the next level of market leadership, Dean has a reputation for quickly scaling emerging growth companies and optimizing multi-national corporations through entrepreneurial efficiencies. He’s noted for his keen ability to lead strategic execution inside organizations and in the marketplace, with a track record of driving revenue growth and brand momentum through customer acquisition & retention programs, cross-industry alliances and M&A. Dean fosters a collaborative management style that attracts and inspires teams to grow and competitively excel in product and marketing delivery, channel and vertical sales expansion, partner and client development–and the attainment of profitable financial results.
Dean has been the CEO of private & public companies and Global 500 subsidiaries, including CEO of TNS Media, a roll-up of leading advertising, entertainment, digital engagement, social media, audience research, insights and analytics companies which was acquired by WPP; CEO of Autoweb, which he built into one of the most popular web brands, took public and merged with Autobytel to create the largest Internet automotive content and marketing services group; and CEO of The ImaginationNetwork, a social media games company which was acquired by AOL and grew into a top entertainment brand, which comScore ranked “the number one games destination in cyberspace”.
As Chairman of Reboot Partners, a growth group that helps organizations tackle their most challenging issues and seize emerging market opportunities, Dean has served in director and interim operating roles, including CEO of Fathom Online, a MIXX award winning search marketing and analytics company acquired by GI; CEO of Free Drive, a social media sharing network, which was acquired into AOL; and CEO of CatchTV, a Web TV advertising platform, which became part of Liberty Media.
At LG/Zenith, Dean directed brand strategy and digital TV industry initiatives as CMO, and as head of the Network Systems Division, led a turnaround which was credited for introducing cable modems and helping create the broadband services industry. He served as President of two Anixter International operating units, which were awarded the NCTA’s Vanguard Award for innovation; and as a Managing Director at FedEx, he operated two units and helped pioneer the company’s efforts into digital services.
A frequent speaker, media guest and industry spokesperson, Dean has served as the public facing PR/IR spokesperson with media outlets, analysts, investors, government and industry constituents. He has shared his insights through numerous media and public speaking outlets, co-authoring the best-selling book The Big Moo and co-founding thinkremarkable.com. Acknowledged for industry-shaping leadership—through the development of next-generation services and ventures—his organizations have been recognized for producing award-winning products, brands, trademarks, marketing, media, programming, technology, software, patents and IP.
He has served on public, private and government boards including Donlan , Excelligence, NIU, Chicagoland Entreprenurial Center, Security Innovation Network and is a member of National Association of Corporate Directors, Turnaround Management Association and TechNet, a CEO network that partners with policy makers to advance America’s global leadership in the innovation economy.
Dean received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Northern Illinois University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School; he also completed the MBA-Plus Executive Program at the University of Chicago, the CEO Program at the AMA, the Directors Certification Program at the NACD’s Corporate Directors Institute and he is a participant in the Directors’ College at Stanford Law School.