The CW Network has announced television executive, Brad Schwartz, has been named president, CW Entertainment, responsible for programming strategy, creative and brand development and day-to-day operations of The CW Network. Schwartz will begin his new duties on Nov. 7 and report to Dennis Miller, president, The CW Network.

Schwartz spearheaded the highly successful re-brand of the TV Guide Network to Pop TV. As president of the network, Schwartz oversaw creative and business operations and by instilling entrepreneurial and opportunistic programming and marketing strategies, the Pop TV team grew audience and revenue for six consecutive years. 

Schwartz was responsible for landing Pop TV’s flagship original series, “Schitt’s Creek.”  Most recently, Schwartz consulted at The CW on long-term strategy and programming. 

“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Brad and I have seen his entrepreneurial approach to reinvigorating brands,” says Miller. “He knows how to develop and acquire hits with limited resources, nurture talent and broaden the appeal of diverse media assets.” 

Schwartz brings 20 years of experience in media leadership and transformation, having overseen the launch or turnaround of seven media brands. Prior to Pop TV, he was senior vice president, programming and operations at Fuse, where he oversaw a re-brand, delivered the higher ratings and discovered critically acclaimed talent and programming, including “Billy On The Street” with Billy Eichner, “The Hustle,” “Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce” and “Hip Hop Evolution” for Netflix. 

“I have respected and admired The CW for a long, long time and, quite frankly, I have always dreamed of working there,” says Schwartz. “I am thrilled to get back together with Dennis and build upon its great foundation. It is an exciting challenge, backed by a fantastic team at Nexstar, and we’re going to have a ton of fun.” 

Prior to Fuse, Schwartz served as general manager of a portfolio of eight music and pop culture networks in Canada, including MTV Canada and MuchMusic, where his team produced “MTV Live,” “The Hills After Show,” “The MuchMusic Video Awards,” “Degrassi” and “The L.A. Complex” (which was licensed to The CW).