Longtime Disney-ABC executive Mark Pedowitz has been named president of the CW, taking over Dawn Ostroff's duties as entertainment president and overseeing the business side of the network.
Pedowitz, who will take on a broader role than Ostroff filled, has long been considered the top candidate to replace her. She is leaving the network to relocate to New York City, where her husband works. The separattion had forced them to travel frequently across the country.
Pedowitz departed Disney-ABC after 19 years at the company in early February. He had served as a senior adviser to co-chairman Anne Sweeney in his last post. He also spent five years as the president of ABC Studios, where he oversaw such hits as "Lost," "Desperate Housewives," "Grey's Anatomy," "Ugly Betty," "Scrubs," "Army Wives," "Ghost Whisperer" and "Criminal Minds."
He will oversee all aspects of The CW, including programming, sales, marketing, distribution, finance, research and publicity. He will assume his new duties this month. Ostroff will help with the transition through the current season, ending next month.
"Mark is a seasoned industry leader possessing a strategic combination of business savvy and strong relationships with the creative community," said Bruce Rosenblum, President, Warner Bros. Television Group. "He's the perfect executive to help us take the network to the next level: a key content driver with vast experience in all disciplines."
Nancy Tellem, the executive who oversees The CW for CBS, said Pedowitz would lead the network to "even greater heights."
"Since its inception, Dawn and her team have built The CW into a brand-name destination for young female viewers with franchise shows as well as forward-thinking digital and marketing campaigns," she said.
Added Pedowitz: "I'm very excited to be joining The CW and working closely with two great companies like CBS and Warner Bros. The network has built a strong foundation and powerful identity in its first five years, and I'm looking forward to helping elevate it to even greater success in the future."
