Louis Carr

I became President of BET in December 2025 after nearly four decades of helping shape the network into the leading media destination for Black audiences worldwide. Over my 39 years at BET, I’ve focused on driving culture, impact, and community empowerment. Before stepping into the President role, I served as President of Media Sales, where I helped redefine the multicultural marketplace for major global brands and generated more than $10B in advertising sales. Through partnerships with companies like Procter & Gamble, Walmart, Unilever, McDonald's, Meta, and Toyota, I worked to highlight the opportunities within Black and brown communities and guide brands toward deeper, more authentic engagement. My approach has always been rooted in understanding audiences across linear TV, digital, and social platforms. I live by the mantra “Be led by data and insights,” and that philosophy helped BET build the world’s largest repository of information on Black consumers. Using that data, I’ve focused on creating content and messaging that not only help marketers grow their businesses but also encourage them to serve as responsible corporate citizens. Beyond my professional work, I’ve been committed to supporting young people and expanding opportunities within corporate America. Twenty-three years ago, I founded the Louis Carr Internship Foundation (LCIF) to help increase diversity through paid internships. Since then, we’ve provided more than 300 internships, and over 70 alumni now hold full-time industry positions. My newest venture, WayMaker, continues my mission of giving back. Through the WayMaker Journal, the WayMaker Men’s Summit, and The Blueprint Connect Podcast, I aim to offer direction, wisdom, and inspiration to people seeking growth and purpose. These platforms bring together leading voices to educate Black men in areas such as finance, health, careers, relationships, and entrepreneurship. I’ve written two books—Dirty Little Secrets and Little Black Book—where I share lessons on leadership, culture, strategy, vision, and success. Over the years, I’ve been honored with recognitions including induction into the Advertising Hall of Fame, the CAF Silver Medal Award, and acknowledgment as one of Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Black Corporate Directors. I currently serve on the boards of Six Flags, Drake University, and the USATF Foundation. I attended Drake University on a full athletic scholarship and earned a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. I’ve been happily married for 39 years.