Al Lustgarten is a seasoned technology and operations executive with over four decades of experience at The Hearst Corporation, where he played a pivotal role in driving technology and business transformation. As the Senior Vice President of Technology & Information Services at Hearst Television, Al oversaw the company’s IT functions and advertising operations, leading strategic initiatives in process automation, worker productivity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud transformation, and enterprise security. His leadership has been instrumental in modernizing business practices, optimizing technology solutions, and ensuring the company’s competitive edge in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Throughout his career, Al has been at the forefront of technology advancements in media and advertising. He was a founding member of the TV Interface Practices (TIP) Initiative, a consortium dedicated to streamlining advertising transactions between broadcasters and media agencies. His forward-thinking approach led to Hearst Television’s investment in Admiral, a media sales gateway developed in partnership with Gray Television, Graham Media, and CoxReps to automate converged advertising sales. Al’s contributions to broadcast media technology earned him recognition among “Broadcast Media’s Top Tech Leaders” by Radio+Television Business Report in 2022 and 2023.
Al’s career at Hearst began in 1981 in the Magazines Division, where he held various roles in finance, accounting before advancing into leadership positions at Hearst Television. His ability to bridge the gap between financial acumen and technical expertise has made him a highly sought-after advisor on technology strategy, security, and operational efficiency.
Beyond his corporate career, Al is deeply committed to fostering innovation and business growth through board service and advisory roles. He is a member of the Fairleigh Dickinson University Silberman School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board, where he contributes his insights on business strategy and leadership. His involvement in industry conferences and panels has positioned him as a thought leader in media technology and advertising automation, where he has spoken on topics including digital transformation, AI-driven analytics, and security governance.
Now retired from his executive role, Al is actively seeking board positions and advisory opportunities where he can apply his vast expertise to help organizations navigate technological advancements, enhance cybersecurity postures, and drive operational excellence. While his professional experience has been primarily domestic, he is open to international opportunities. He is particularly interested in working with media, entertainment, technology services, and startup technology companies, with a preference for startup, emerging, and mid-sized businesses.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Al is an avid runner, skier, and golfer and has four young grandchildren which he enjoys spending time with. He enjoys traveling, further broadening his perspective on global business and culture.
Al’s dedication to strategic oversight, technology governance, and operational leadership makes him a valuable asset for companies looking to scale, innovate, and strengthen their competitive edge in today’s digital economy. His passion for mentorship, business transformation, and security excellence ensures that he remains a dynamic and engaged leader, eager to contribute meaningfully to the next generation of businesses.
Character: Al Lustgarten is a dedicated and ethical leader who values innovation, operational excellence, and mentorship in the business and technology sectors.
Knowledge: With over 40 years of experience in technology, security, finance, and operations, he brings deep expertise in digital transformation, AI, cloud computing, and governance.
Strategic: Al has a proven track record of leading large-scale technology initiatives, modernizing business practices, and advising organizations on optimizing their security and operational efficiency.
Communication: As a seasoned speaker and industry thought leader, he effectively translates complex technology concepts into actionable strategies for executives, stakeholders, and industry professionals.
