Oprah Winfrey Steps Into CEO Shoes at OWN

LOS ANGELES: Oprah Winfrey is to become permanent CEO as well as chief creative officer at her joint-venture channel with Discovery Communications effective this fall.

Winfrey, who is also chairman of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, has enlisted Erik Logan and Sheri Salata, currently presidents of Harpo Studios, as presidents of the cable channel effective immediately. They will work closely with Peter Liguori, COO of Discovery Communications, in his role as interim CEO to ensure a smooth transition until Winfrey takes over in the fall. Liguiori stepped into the post after Christina Norman left in May.

"I am ready to dedicate my full creative energy and focus as the full-time CEO of OWN," Winfrey said. "By aligning the mission, talent and leadership of Erik, Sheri, the OWN team, the Harpo team, along with expertise of David Zaslav, Peter and all of Discovery behind us, we can unleash the full potential of the network."

In addition, Harpo Studios will now exclusively direct its production output to OWN, with Logan and Salata retaining their leadership roles at the outfit. Harpo’s slate includes Rosie, Oprah Presents Master Class, In the Bedroom with Dr. Laura Berman and Oprah’s Next Chapter.