Schwartz upped as Wisnia exits CBS-Lionsgate net

Brad Schwartz has been named president of US cable channel Pop, with business development chief David Wisnia exiting in the reshuffle.

The news comes less than two years after Schwartz joined the CBS- and Lionsgate-owned network to become president of entertainment and media.

That hire was made as Wisnia was named president, business operations of Pop, which at the time was called TV Guide Network.

Schwartz is now taking on the president role on his own, with Wisnia leaving to “pursue other opportunities”.

This means Schwartz now oversees business, legal, advertising and affiliate sales along with his previous creative and production duties. He will continue to report to Pop’s board following the reshuffling.

Before joining Pop, Schwartz worked at Fuse, CTV in Canada and MTV.

“Brad’s leadership of TVGN’s successful transition to and rebranding as Pop reflects his clear strategic vision for the network as well as his strong programming skills and business acumen,” said CBS president and CEO Leslie Moonves and Lionsgate chief executive Jon Feltheimer in a statement.

“We’re pleased to expand his mandate to include oversight of the integrated creative and business operations of the network as Pop continues to build its brand, develop new programming and maintain its growth trajectory.”

Pop runs first-window syndication series such as Entertainment Tonight and The Insider, along with blockbuster movies and series including Mad Men and Orange is the New Black.

CBS bought into the channel around the same time Schwartz came onboard.