WASHINGTON, DC, February 7, 2014 — CNBC named Covington & Burling’s Paul Tagliabue as a nominee for its First 25: Leaders, Icons and Rebels, a list that will mark the 25th anniversary of CNBC by recognizing the 25 individuals who have had the greatest influence, sparked the biggest changes, and caused the most disruption in business over the past quarter century. The 200 nominees were described by CNBC as “exceptional men and women . . . hand-picked for the transformative impact they have had on business, commerce, and the way we live.” Mr. Tagliabue was selected for his accomplishments as the Commissioner of the NFL from 1989 until 2006.
Mr. Tagliabue began his legal career at Covington in 1969 and for many years served as outside counsel to the NFL. He went on to serve as Commissioner of the NFL for 17 years, presiding over structural changes and innovative league policies that produced an extended period of labor peace and unprecedented revenue growth in professional football. After serving as NFL Commissioner, he returned to Covington and advises clients on organizational structure and governance, public policy issues, strategic risk mitigation and the management of critical unfolding crises.
The list of contenders was announced by CNBC last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The top 25 will be determined during the next few months and votes can be submitted here.