Susan Ennis
Media and Entertainment Strategist
Content & Programming | Consumer Insights |
Data-driven Strategies

Susan Ennis is founder and principal of Susan Ennis Media Strategies, LLC. A successful executive and senior advisor in media and entertainment, she is one of the original architects of the HBO brand and brings three decades of expertise in all aspects of programming and research for content distributed via cable, on-demand, OTT, and digital streaming. Known as a business builder, Susan combines cutting-edge content with her creative and analytical approach to drive dynamic results.

Most recently, Susan was EVP of Program Strategy & Planning at Home Box Office (HBO) where she oversaw key functions for HBO/Cinemax, including Strategic Planning & Operations for Original Programming; Program & Promotion Scheduling for all HBO/Cinemax linear and digital channels; and Consumer Insights & Analytics for HBO. Under her leadership, she developed innovative programming and scheduling strategies and advised the executive management and her Board on key consumer trends and viewing behavior.

Susan began her career in market research at Grey Advertising and Dancer Fitzgerald Advertising, ultimately being recruited to HBO as Manager of Market Research.

Earning her BA degree in Art History and Psychology from Wesleyan University, Susan later completed an executive MBA program at Columbia University. Also, she participated in the HBS: Women on Boards program at the Harvard University Business School.

Susan’s creative interests have led her to memberships and service roles in both industry and fine arts organizations including Trustee, Manhattan School of Music; Member, National Advisory Committee for the Make-Believe Association of Chicago; Director, International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences; and Director, American Friends of the Arthur Rubinstein International Music Society.  

She also is a member of the British Academy of Film and Television (BAFTA); the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS); the American Film Institute (AFI); and the New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT).

Susan resides in Manhattan with her husband, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University and published poet. Long time enthusiasts of the fine arts, the couple enjoys a second residence in Venice, Italy.