Longtime HBO Exec Barbara Jaffe Retires

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

HBO executive vice president of technology operations Barbara Jaffe will retire at the end of the year, the pay service announced.

Jaffe, who began her HBO career in 1980 in affiliate operations, served as one of HBO’s leading technology experts. During her most recent tenure in HBO’s Tech Ops division, Jaffe played a role in the acquisition of HBO’s major distribution and security technologies such as digital compression, encryption, copy protection technologies, satellite capacity and program management for HBO’s new initiatives, as well as the development of HBO’s positions in relevant FCC and legislative initiatives, said HBO.

Jaffe, who is a recipient of the prestigious 2009 Women In Technology Award, also oversaw the technical team that launched the highly successful authenticated digital platforms HBO GO and MAX GO, according to network officials.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.