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Bob WrightCo-founder and CEO of Autism Speaks
Date of Birth: 23.04.1943
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Bob Wright: The Man Behind Autism Speaks
- A Distinguished Career
- Founding Autism Speaks
- Advocacy and Achievements
- A Leader in Fighting Counterfeiting and Piracy
Bob Wright: The Man Behind Autism Speaks
Bob Wright, one of the founders and the CEO of Autism Speaks, witnessed helplessly as his seemingly normal grandson began to lose his ability to interact with the world around him. Determined to "bring his grandson back," Wright embarked on a quest to find answers and unravel the perplexing puzzle of autism.
A Distinguished Career
Before his involvement with Autism Speaks, Bob Wright served as the President and CEO of NBC Universal from September 1986 to 2001. He then continued as the Chairman and CEO of the company until 2007. Additionally, Wright held the position of Vice Chairman of the multinational corporation General Electric from 2001 to 2008.
Founding Autism Speaks
In 2005, Bob Wright, along with his wife Suzanne, founded Autism Speaks, the largest parent organization in the world dedicated to autism advocacy. Motivated by the diagnosis of their grandson Christian with autism in March 2004, they aimed to increase awareness and conduct comprehensive research on this complex disorder. Leveraging his extensive network and experience gained from his four-decade-long career at General Electric and private legal practice, Robert successfully promoted the mission of Autism Speaks.
Advocacy and Achievements
In February 2005, Bob Wright appeared on the NBC "Today Show" and MSNBC, sharing his wife's observation of their grandson's regression and expressing his determination to "bring him back." Their efforts paid off as Autism Speaks raised $350 million for scientific research and the search for a cure for autism by 2011. For their outstanding contributions, Bob and Suzanne received the prestigious Double Helix Award, as well as the Presidential Medals for "Outstanding Achievements" and inclusion in Time magazine's list of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" in 2008.
A Leader in Fighting Counterfeiting and Piracy
Bob Wright is also one of the leaders of the Global Leadership Group of the Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP) organization. He actively works to raise awareness about the economic dangers of counterfeiting and piracy. Additionally, Wright serves as a board member of the American Film Institute and the Museum of Television and Radio. He is also an honorary trustee of the Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT).
Bob Wright's tireless dedication to finding answers and advocating for individuals with autism has left an indelible mark on the world. Through Autism Speaks, he continues to lead the charge in raising awareness, funding research, and supporting families affected by autism.
