When people look into the personal life of media executive and iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman, public curiosity often turns toward his marriages. Over the decades, his high-profile career as an architect of MTV and digital media pioneer placed him in the spotlight, naturally extending public interest to his spouses. Bob Pittman has been married twice: first to prominent magazine editor and mountaineer Sandy Hill, and later to environmental advocate and web designer Veronique Choa.
Understanding the lives of Bob Pittman's wives requires looking past celebrity gossip to examine their independent careers, distinct backgrounds, and respective impacts. Each marriage defined a different era of Pittman's personal and professional trajectory, spanning the rise of cable television, Manhattan high society, and modern environmental philanthropy.
Sandy Hill: The First Marriage and Mount Everest Legacy
Bob Pittman married his first wife, Sandra "Sandy" Hill, in July 1979. At the time, Pittman was rising through the radio and media ranks, eventually co-founding MTV, while Hill built a career in New York fashion and media.
Career in Fashion and Publishing
Sandy Hill worked as a merchandise editor for Mademoiselle and a buyer for Bonwit Teller. In 1980s New York, she became a prominent fixture of Manhattan social circles, balancing magazine publishing with high-profile cultural engagements. Her eye for design and branding mirrored the fast-paced aesthetic of the era's media landscape.
The 1996 Everest Expedition
Hill is most widely recognized outside of her marriage for her mountaineering exploits. In 1996, she participated in the fateful Mount Everest expedition chronicled in Jon Krakauer's book Into Thin Air. Reaching the summit made her the second American woman to climb the Seven Summits. Despite the intense media scrutiny and controversies surrounding commercialized expeditions that year, her athletic achievements remain a defining element of her public record.
Divorce and Later Life
Bob Pittman and Sandy Hill divorced in 1997 after nearly two decades of marriage. They share one son, Robert T. "Bo" Pittman. Following their separation, Hill married commodities trader Thomas Dittmer and later focused on writing and philanthropic pursuits.
Veronique Choa: Philanthropy, Design, and Conservation
Following his divorce, Bob Pittman married Veronique Choa later in 1997. Veronique brought a completely different focus to the family, prioritizing environmental advocacy, web design, and global sustainability.
Background and Professional Focus
Veronique Pittman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Cultural Anthropology. Professionally trained as a web designer and graphics artist, she combined digital communication skills with a lifelong commitment to ecological causes. Unlike her predecessor's high-visibility presence in 1980s fashion circles, Veronique maintained a quieter profile centered around institutional governance and non-profit impact.
Environmental Stewardship and Non-Profit Leadership
Veronique's primary professional footprint exists within the environmental non-profit sector. She serves in leadership and advisory capacities for several prominent organizations dedicated to conservation and education, including:
- The Rainforest Foundation, focusing on indigenous rights and rainforest protection.
- The Green Schools Alliance, promoting sustainable practices in educational facilities.
- Global Goods Partners, supporting marginalized women artisans through fair trade.
- The Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy advisory board.
Through these roles, she has helped shape corporate and grassroots sustainability initiatives, bridging the gap between digital strategy and ecological activism.
Family Life with Bob Pittman
Bob and Veronique Pittman raised two children together, Andrew and Lucy, alongside Pittman's son from his first marriage. The family splits time between New York City, their residence in Westchester County, and projects tied to environmental advocacy.
Comparing the Two Eras of the Pittman Family
The contrast between Bob Pittman's two marriages highlights how his personal life evolved alongside his career shifts from traditional broadcasting to digital leadership.
| Attribute | Sandy Hill (First Marriage) | Veronique Choa (Second Marriage) |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Period | 1979 – 1997 | 1997 – Present |
| Primary Industry | Fashion, publishing, mountaineering | Web design, anthropology, environmental advocacy |
| Public Profile | 1980s/1990s socialite, high media visibility | Philanthropic trustee, conservation-focused |
| Children | One son (Bo) | Two children (Andrew and Lucy) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Bob Pittman been married?
Bob Pittman has been married twice. His first marriage was to Sandy Hill from 1979 to 1997, and his second marriage is to Veronique Choa, whom he married in 1997.
What is Sandy Hill known for outside of her marriage?
Sandy Hill is widely known as a fashion editor, author, and mountaineer. She achieved historical recognition as the second American woman to climb the Seven Summits and survived the 1996 Mount Everest disaster.
What is Veronique Pittman's career background?
Veronique Pittman is a web designer, cultural anthropologist, and prominent environmental advocate. She works extensively with non-profits such as the Rainforest Foundation and Green Schools Alliance.
Do Bob Pittman's wives work in media?
While Sandy Hill spent years in magazine publishing and fashion journalism, Veronique Pittman focused her career on digital design, anthropology, and ecological philanthropy rather than traditional mass media.
