Former Time Warner Chairman Richard Parsons Dies at 76
Richard Parsons, the former chairman of Time Warner and a renowned leader who guided companies like CBS Corp., Citigroup, and the Los Angeles Clippers through turbulent times, passed away on Thursday at the age of 76.
Ronald S. Lauder, an Estée Lauder board member and close friend, confirmed to The New York Times that Parsons died of bone cancer at his Manhattan residence. Parsons had also been battling multiple myeloma, a severe blood cancer, for several years.
In September 2018, Parsons was appointed interim chairman of CBS following the resignation of chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves amid allegations of sexual harassment. Parsons played a pivotal role in negotiating Moonves’ exit, naming COO Joseph Ianniello as acting CEO, and restructuring the board by appointing six new directors.
Tributes poured in for Parsons on social media, reflecting his impact on business and culture. One heartfelt post highlighted Parsons’ role in reviving Minton’s Jazz Club in Harlem, a venue made famous by Teddy Hill, the poster’s grandfather.
“Dear God. This hurts. May he rest in peace! I will be forever grateful Dick revived Minton’s Jazz Club in Harlem. He was so kind to grant me an interview for my thesis documentary and invited me to NYC for Minton’s grand re-opening. What a giant of a man. I’m really crushed,” the post read.
Parsons is remembered as a visionary leader and a cultural icon who left an indelible mark on the institutions he served and the lives he touched.
