John
Eck
CEO & Transformation Leader
Board Advisor | Media, Retail, Digital Transformation
Biography
John Eck is a seasoned media and retail executive known for delivering sustained value in complex, high-stakes environments. Over his career at GE, NBCUniversal, Univision, and as CEO of Mattress Firm, he led transformational initiatives including major integrations, digital modernisation, and a landmark $5 billion sale following a successful turnaround from bankruptcy.
As President of the NBC Television Network, John led the digitisation of the network and oversaw the complex integration of NBC and Universal. At Univision, he directed the reverse spectrum auction that generated more than $400 million in debt reduction.
John is now focused on board service, executive advisory, and select speaking engagements — bringing the full weight of his experience to the challenges and organisations that matter most.
What Defines the Work
Operational Depth
Decades of hands-on leadership across media, retail, and technology — accountability at the centre, not advisory from a distance.
Strategic Clarity
The ability to cut through complexity and identify the decisions that matter — developed through years of leading in genuinely ambiguous environments.
Earned Credibility
A track record built on results, not reputation. From network television to a $5 billion exit, the work speaks for itself.
Career
1990s
Early Career
GE
Built the operational discipline and strategic rigour that would define a career of high-stakes leadership across GE's diversified business portfolio.
2000s
President, NBC Television Network
NBCUniversal
Led the digitisation of the NBC Television Network and oversaw the landmark integration of NBC and Universal — one of the most complex media mergers of its era.
2010s
Senior Executive
Univision
Directed the reverse spectrum auction generating more than $400 million in debt reduction — a complex regulatory and financial transaction requiring precision execution.
2018–2025
Chief Executive Officer
Mattress Firm
Guided the company from its 2018 bankruptcy through a full transformation, culminating in a landmark $5 billion sale to Somnigroup in 2025.
“Transformation is not a program. It is a sustained commitment to doing the hard work — with clarity, consistency, and the courage to make difficult decisions.”
John Eck
Advisory & Speaking
Board Service
Operational depth and sound judgement for boards navigating strategic inflection points, leadership transitions, or complex change.
CEO Advisory
Candid, experienced counsel for chief executives facing high-stakes decisions — drawn from direct experience leading through crisis.
Transformation Strategy
From digital modernisation to post-merger integration, helping organisations design and execute change that delivers lasting results.
Speaking
Candid keynotes for executive audiences on leadership, turnaround, and value creation — built on direct experience, not theory.
Speaking Topics
Leading Through Bankruptcy & Turnaround
Transformation at Scale
The CEO's Role in a Crisis
Building Boards That Work
Value Creation in Complex Environments