Rocco Commisso

$6.03 B

Ranked #641 in World

About Rocco Commisso

Rocco Benito Commisso, the Italian-American business magnate, stands at the helm of Mediacom as founder, chairman, and CEO, pioneering within the US cable sector. With roots in Calabria, Italy, his journey to billionaire status began upon his migration to the US at 12. An alumnus of Columbia University, Commisso's tenacity translated into successful leadership across cable and finance industries, culminating in the acquisition of New York Cosmos and ACF Fiorentina. His significant contributions to soccer and media have garnered him prestigious recognitions and commendations.

Born

November 25, 1949 in Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, Italy

Source Of Wealth

Telecom

Industries

Telecom

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Saddle River, New Jersey

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Columbia University; Master of Business Administration, Columbia University

Spouse

Catherine Commisso

Children

Rocco Benito Commisso was born on November 25, 1949, in Calabria, Italy. At the age of 12, he migrated to the United States. He attended Mount Saint Michael Academy high school in the Bronx. Rocco Commisso went on to earn a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Columbia University in 1971 and an MBA from Columbia Business School in 1975. During his time at Columbia, he was the co-captain of the varsity soccer team and was elected president of the business school student body. He also received the business school service award.

Rocco Commisso: Family

Rocco Commisso is married to Catherine, and they have two children together. The family resides in Saddle River, New Jersey. Catherine Commisso serves as the head of corporate administration for Mediacom.

Rocco Commisso: Career Highlights

Rocco Commisso began his business career at Pfizer Inc. He then spent ten years in the financial industry, initially at Chase Manhattan Bank (now J.P. Morgan Chase). There, he worked with cable companies and other entertainment enterprises as part of Chase's corporate financing department. Later, he led the Royal Bank of Canada's U.S. lending activities to the media and communications sectors.

From 1986 to 1995, Rocco Commisso served as executive vice president, chief financial officer, and director of Cablevision Industries Corporation. In 1995, he founded Mediacom Communications Corporation. Under his leadership, Mediacom became the 8th largest cable operator in the United States and was named the best cable company in the US in 2016 and 2009 by CableFAX magazine.

Rocco Commisso also serves on the board of directors of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, C-SPAN, and Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. He is also a member of the Cable TV Pioneers.

Rocco Commisso: Companies

Rocco Commisso is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Mediacom, the fifth-largest cable television company in the US. He previously worked for companies like Cablevision, Royal Bank of Canada, and Chase Manhattan Bank.

Rocco Commisso: Major Achievements

Rocco Commisso has achieved significant success in the cable television industry.

He founded Mediacom Communications Corporation in 1995 and took it public in 2000, making it the 8th largest cable operator in the United States. In March 2011, the company went private and became wholly owned by Commisso. Mediacom was named the best cable company in the US in 2016 and 2009 by CableFAX magazine.

Rocco Commisso has also made significant contributions to the sport of soccer. He played association soccer for the Columbia University Lions from 1967 to 1970 and was a three-time All-Ivy League Honoree. He later became the chairman of Friends of Columbia Soccer from 1978 to 1986, and Columbia awards an Annual Men's Soccer Prize in his name. In 2013, Columbia University named its association soccer venue as the Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.

Rocco Commisso: Awards & Achievements

Rocco Commisso has received numerous awards and recognitions for his achievements in business and soccer. Some of his notable awards include the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Innovator Award for Business Strategy, National Italian American Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, Vanguard Award for Distinguished Leadership, Business Person of the Year, and Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He has also been inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, Cable Center Hall of Fame, and National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

Rocco Commisso: Personal Life & Legacy

Rocco Commisso is a prominent Italian-American billionaire businessman. He is known for his successful career in the cable television industry and his contributions to the sport of soccer. He is also actively involved in philanthropic activities and has made significant donations to various organizations.

Rocco Commisso: Trivia

Rocco Commisso is a passionate soccer fan and has been involved in the sport throughout his life. He played association soccer for the Columbia University Lions and was a three-time All-Ivy League Honoree. He later became the chairman of Friends of Columbia Soccer and has made significant contributions to the program.

In 2013, Columbia University named its association soccer venue as the Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.

Wealth History

Timeline

November 25, 1949

Rocco Benito Commisso is born in Calabria, Italy.

1967-1970

Commisso plays association soccer for the Columbia University Lions.

1971

Commisso earns a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Columbia University.

1975

Commisso earns an MBA from Columbia Business School.

1978-1986

Commisso serves as Chairman of Friends of Columbia Soccer.

1986-1995

Commisso serves as executive vice president, chief financial officer, and director of Cablevision Industries Corporation.

1995

Commisso founds Mediacom Communications Corporation.

2000

Mediacom goes public, becoming the 8th largest cable operator in the United States.

2004

Commisso is listed among Columbia's 250 greatest undergraduate alumni of all time.

2009

Mediacom is named the best cable company in the US by CableFAX magazine.

2011

Mediacom goes private and becomes wholly-owned by Commisso.

2013

Columbia University names its association soccer venue as the Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.

2015

Commisso is named a NYC Soccer Gala Honoree.

2016

Commisso is inducted into the Columbia University Athletics Hall of Fame Special Category.

January 2017

Commisso purchases a majority ownership stake in the New York Cosmos soccer club and becomes the club's new chairman.

June 6, 2019

Commisso purchases ACF Fiorentina.

June 24, 2019

Commisso finalizes the purchase of ACF Fiorentina.

Rocco Commisso : FAQs

What is Rocco Commisso's net worth?

As of 2025, Rocco Commisso's net worth was $6.03 billion.

What are Rocco Commisso's main sources of wealth?

Rocco Commisso's main source of income comes from Telecom.

In which industry does Rocco Commisso primarily operate?

Rocco Commisso is primarily involved in the Telecom industry.

What is Rocco Commisso educational background?

Rocco Commisso holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Columbia University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University.

How many children does Rocco Commisso have?

Rocco Commisso has 2 children.

Who is Rocco Benito Commisso and what is he known for in the business world?

Rocco Benito Commisso is an Italian-born American billionaire businessman, known as the founder, chairman, and CEO of Mediacom, the fifth-largest cable television company in the US. He is also the owner of the New York Cosmos and ACF Fiorentina.

What was Rocco Commisso's early life like and how did his education lay the foundation for his career?

Rocco Commisso migrated to the United States at age 12, attended Mount Saint Michael Academy, and then earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering and an MBA from Columbia University, where he was also co-captain of the varsity soccer team and president of the student body.

Can you outline Rocco Commisso's career trajectory before founding Mediacom?

Before founding Mediacom, Rocco Commisso began his career at Pfizer Inc., spent a decade in the financial industry at Chase Manhattan Bank, worked in corporate financing for entertainment enterprises, and led the Royal Bank of Canada's US media sector lending before becoming an executive at Cablevision Industries Corporation.

How has Rocco Commisso contributed to soccer as both a player and an executive?

Rocco Commisso was a three-time All-Ivy League soccer player at Columbia University, co-captain of the 1970 team, was invited to try out for the 1972 US Olympic team, and has significantly contributed to the sport as an executive through his ownership of New York Cosmos and ACF Fiorentina as well as his extensive support of Columbia's soccer program.

What are some of the major accomplishments and recognitions Rocco Commisso has received in his personal and professional life?

Rocco Commisso is recognized for his entrepreneurship and leadership, having received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, National Italian American Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, and is inducted into multiple Halls of Fame. He has been honored by Columbia University and supports the community through philanthropic efforts.