Anton Guitano, who retired in June as chief operating officer of CBS Corporation’s local media unit, died Tuesday at the age of 65. A network statement says Guitano, a 37-year-veteran at CBS, had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
“It was my privilege to work with Anton for many years,” said CBS chief executive officer Les Moonves. He was a terrific person – very hard working, attentive to detail, and a real straight shooter in the best sense of the word. He loved this company and provided a huge example to all who worked with him.”
In 2009, the company named Guitano to the newly created position of chief operating officer of CBS Local Media. Guitano previously managed finances for both the TV and Radio divisions, and served as chief financial officer and senior executive vp of operations for CBS Radio.
“Anton was a great leader and a beloved friend and colleague who made a profound difference in the lives of everyone who had the privilege of working with him, said Peter Dunn, president of CBS Television Stations. “He was a man of dignity and integrity. We also loved him for his terrific sense of humor, a quality that made it so wonderful to be with him on a daily basis.”
The father of three children, Guitano’s family asks donations be made in his memory to either the American Institute for Cancer Research or the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center.