CEO, AVN Media Network

AVN Media Network Chief Executive Officer Tony Rios assumed leadership at the company in 2015, taking the reins at the adult industry institution founded by Paul Fishbein. Since then Rios has made his own mark at AVN. Under his steady hand, the company has redesigned its website, brought back the iconic GayVN Awards, and reached new heights of professionalism with its various events—including the AVN Awards Show and the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo. Most recently Rios retooled the company’s flagship publication, AVN magazine, with a fresh new look and consumer-oriented focus.

Prior to AVN, Rios got his start in the paysite sector back in 1995. He and his co-founder created some of the earliest paysites, building new websites every few months that catered to different niches. In 2000 he jumped to Channel 1 Releasing, where he worked until 2015 as co-owner and chief technology officer.