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 An 18-year veteran of the television industry, Robin Schwartz is President, OWN, and is spearheading the launch of the new network slated for debut in late 2009 or early 2010. As President, Ms. Schwartz leads a dynamic and focused team that will shape and guide the first-ever television network devoted to inspiring, informing, and empowering viewers desiring to live their best possible lives.
In an executive career that encompasses broadcast, cable, studio and programming, Ms. Schwartz’s leadership and talent for collaboration, as well as the dedication and creative energy she brings to each post, are well known throughout the industry. Inspired by a deeply trusted and authentic brand that is the cornerstone of OWN, Ms. Schwartz is dedicated to creating a channel that will entertain, empower, engage, connect, and delight.
Based in Los Angeles, Ms. Schwartz oversees the staff and operations of OWN, a multi-platform media venture at the center of which is OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, (currently Discovery Health Channel). Airing in more than 70 million homes, the television network is joined by the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com. In her role, Ms. Schwartz oversees all key business  areas of the network, including development, programming, production, marketing, research, communications, and she works in partnership with the Discovery team on sales and distribution to generate revenue and deepen the value of the OWN brand.
Ms. Schwartz came to OWN from Regency Television, where she served as President of the joint venture between New Regency Films and News Corporation’s Fox Television Studios. During her tenure, Regency was known as a distinctive voice in the industry which produced innovative programming. Ms. Schwartz attracted some of the industry’s best and the brightest talent to the studio, including Doug Liman (Mr. and Mrs. Smith), Lasse Hallstrom (My Life as a Dog), Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls), and actors Ted Danson, Lauren Ambrose, Parker Posey, and Andre Braugher.
Prior to Regency Television, Ms. Schwartz served as Vice President of Programming at ABC Family, where she played a key role in the highly successful rebranding of the cable channel. In addition to overseeing scripted series and the network’s popular programming block for teens, she also developed a hit movie franchise of romantic comedies featuring such creative talent as Patrick Dempsey, Lisa Kudrow, and Marissa Jaret Winokur.
Before ABC Family, Ms. Schwartz was Vice President of Primetime Series and Children’s Programming for NBC-TV, where she oversaw a slate of hit television series, including Will & Grace. During her career, Ms. Schwartz also has held overall writing and production deals with 20th Century Fox Television and other studios.
She serves on the board of directors of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society and was a Governor of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for four years.
Ms. Schwartz’s philanthropic endeavors include 2006 and 2007 chair roles for Girls, Inc., a national non-profit organization by which Ms. Schwartz was honored for her efforts to bring vital educational programs to millions of American girls. She also serves on the entertainment committee of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Ms. Schwartz resides in Los Angeles with her husband and son.
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