New President for The CW

BURBANK: Former ABC Studios president Mark Pedowitz has been appointed to serve as the new head of The CW Television Network, handling aspects such as programming, sales, marketing, distribution, finance, research and publicity. 

During his time as president of ABC Studios, Pedowitz oversaw hit shows such as Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty, Scrubs, Army Wives, Ghost Whisperer and Criminal Minds. Most recently, he has led an independent production banner, Pine Street Entertainment, on the Warner Bros. Studios lot in Burbank.

In his new capacity, Pedowitz will oversee all aspects of The CW, taking on his new duties starting this month. Dawn Ostroff, the president of entertainment for The CW, is leaving the network to relocate to New York, and will assist in the transition through the current broadcast season.

"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," said Nancy Tellem, the executive who oversees The CW for CBS. "We now look forward to Mark leading The CW to even greater heights. Mark is an outstanding executive with a stellar reputation in our entertainment community. He brings to the table a strong and diverse background as a business strategist and production executive, as well as a track record of success in all facets of our industry."

"Mark is a seasoned industry leader possessing a strategic combination of business savvy and strong relationships with the creative community," added Bruce Rosenblum, the president of 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."

"I’m very excited to be joining The CW and working closely with two great companies like CBS and Warner Bros.," said Pedowitz. "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."