Moonves

Moonves is the surname of American media executive Les Moonves, who is best known for serving as chairman and chief executive officer of CBS Corporation from 2003 to 2018. He joined CBS in 1995 as president of CBS Entertainment and rose through the ranks to lead the company’s operations, directing its network, cable, and digital strategy during a period of significant growth and change in the American television industry.

During his tenure, CBS developed and aired a number of high-profile series, including CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, NCIS, and Survivor, and pursued licensing, distribution, and streaming strategies intended to broaden the company’s reach. He also oversaw major corporate moves, including investments in digital platforms and international distribution, and helped guide the company during the consolidation of the U.S. media industry in the 2010s.

Moonves' career at CBS ended in 2018 amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations reported by the press. An internal investigation was conducted, and Moonves resigned as chairman and CEO following the findings of the investigation. He was succeeded by interim leadership, and the company later merged with Viacom in 2019 to form ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global).