Chris Gorog

Chairman and CEO

For Chris Gorog, a Jimi Hendrix concert in 1969 at the Baltimore Civic Center was a life-changing experience. What he defines as the most powerful thing he has ever seen has helped shape him into a man who views music as a life source equally essential as oxygen.

As a guitar playing songwriter, Chris listens to music that connects with the soul. Today, Chris' career not only reflects his passion for music, but virtually all aspects of the media and entertainment industry.

In 2002, Chris led Roxio's acquisition of Napster and helped re-launch the music service into a legal digital music provider. Under Chris' leadership, Napster is acknowledged as a leading innovator in digital music and has established relationships with all top music labels with a catalog of over 3 million tracks. In 2005, Napster became the pacesetting pioneer of the music subscription model with Napster To Go.

Before the acquisition of Napster, Chris was Chairman and CEO of Roxio, the leader in CD burning and digital media software, where he led the company's successful spin-off from Adaptec. Inc. and took the company public in May of 2001. Gorog's leadership of Roxio resulted in the creation of the Roxio consumer brand, a broadening of the company's role in digital media, and the acquisition of Napster.

Prior to joining Roxio, Chris held the post of President of New Business Development and Executive Vice President of Group Operations for Universal Studios Recreations Group, where he initiated and led the execution of its strategic plan for global expansion.

As President and CEO of ITC Entertainment Group, Chris led a management buy-out of the group's global businesses and ITC became the number one producer of network television movies and mini-series and also produced cult classic indie films: "The Last Seduction" and "Fear of a Black Hat." Prior to ITC, Chris served as Vice President of Business Affairs for Motion Pictures and Television at The Walt Disney Company.

Chris' enthusiasm for music remains deep-rooted and in addition to serving as Chairman of Napster's Board, he serves on the board of NARM, the National Association of Record Merchandisers and is a member of the Internet Retailer Advisory Board. Chris is also a member of the World Presidents Organization, is an alumnus of Young Presidents Organization and is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. He previously has served as a director of House of Blues, a leading North American concert producer and The Guitar Center (Nasdaq: GTRC).

Chris received his Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Telecommunications and Film from San Diego State University.

In his spare time, he likes to play music with friends and develop playlists of new artists he's discovered on Napster.