Web-Video Startup Pluto.tv Finds Its CEO

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Tom Ryan, new CEO of Pluto.tv.

Image: BrewPR

By Josh Dickey2014-05-02 13:00:40 UTC

Pluto.TV didn’t have to search to the end of the solar system to find its CEO, as co-founder Tom Ryan has been tapped to lead the new web-video platform, Mashable has learned.

Launched one month ago, the free service brings web videos into a more TV-like environment, with something like the “channel guide” that pops up from your cable remote. It began life on Apple’s iTunes store and Android’s Google Play with guest content curators including hip-hop artist Nas.

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Ryan, an experienced executive and investor, is the former CEO of online clothing retailer and community Threadless and still serves on its board, as well as the boards of music creation community Smule and men’s clothing service Trunk Club.

“Tom is a thoughtful and seasoned manager, and his vision and experience leading companies that are at the intersection of entertainment and technology will be invaluable to us as we accelerate our trajectory into the marketplace,” said Pluto.TV founder and chairman Nick Grouf.

Pluto.tv also named Vibol Hou, former Spin Media vice president of engineering, as CTO. He previously oversaw technology development for Demand Media's eHow, stimTV and consulting firm Simfiny.

Pluto.tv’s channels, including sports, music, news and dozens more, feature content from both users and producers including Funny or Die, QVC, RocketJump, The Young Turks and others.

“We created Pluto.TV to give people a compelling, easy way to experience the abundance of amazing video content available online today. Whether you’re into music, fashion, comedy, sports, or even yoga, we have a channel for you,” Ryan said. “I’ve spent the better part of my career building consumer-facing companies that deliver popular and innovative models for music, mobile, and e-commerce, and I believe Pluto.TV will do the same for online video.”

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Topics: ceo, Entertainment, Pluto.tv, Television, Video