
A Conversation with Chad Dunavant, Cablefax Top 100 Power Player

Chad Dunavant, EVP & chief strategy and product officer for CSG, is a 2025 Cablefax Magazine Top 100 Power Player. Chad’s 25 years of experience shaping the future of telecoms as an industry leader is reflected in this prestigious honor. We sat down with Chad to reflect on his career journey, discuss his Cablefax 100 win and learn what’s next for CSG.
Congratulations on being named a 2025 Top 100 Power Player by Cablefax Magazine! The award recognizes you as a trailblazer whose leadership and dedication has propelled the media, cable and broadband industry forward. What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career this far?
If I had to boil it down, I’d say the most valuable lesson my career has given me is context. I’ve grown up in the cable, media and technology industry and have had the privilege of seeing our customers evolve, grow and make tough decisions firsthand. I’ve also been able to see the decision-making process of leading telcos abroad and bring that insight back to the power players in the U.S.
That history and perspective has grounded me in the context I need to understand what’s next, so that today I can set CSG’s product direction, lead our M&A strategy and set the company – and our customers – up for future success. We know who we are and where we’re going.
Part of that contextualization exercise is understanding that there will always be some swings and misses. The most successful companies continue to make big bets, knowing that not every idea will stick, and stay resilient to change.
Describe your leadership philosophy in a word. How has it contributed to your success?
It’s more than one word, but my leadership philosophy is to listen to all levels . The best ideas often come from the ground floor, not the corner office. In leadership, it’s easy to get caught in the theories and formulas. But the best way to truly improve a technology or product strategy and meet market needs is to actively chase down input from those who use it every day.
I should know – having started at CSG at the entry level and rising through a number of roles at the company, I know firsthand that ideas come from all places. By keeping my door open, listening to everyone and trying to give as much time to every part of the organization, I can do more to make sure our products and strategy resonate with the market. It speaks to one of CSG’s core principles – the power of all .
Yes, you’ve been at CSG for more than 25 years! In that time, you’ve played an instrumental role in many of CSG’s biggest successes. What are your top three proudest moments in your tenure at CSG so far?
