Terry Semel
This top Warner Brothers executive began professional life as an accountant, but his enthusiasm for films (and the film community) has made certain that he has not been thought of as simply a bean counter. After pursuing studies in accounting and market research, the Brooklyn-born Semel entered the entertainment industry as a branch manager for Warner Brothers in 1966. In the early 70s, he acquired additional experience (and executive status) at CBS and Buena Vista in sales and distribution.