She also adds chief creative officer of the cable network to her previous role of chairman. Harpo Studios’ Erik Logan and Sheri Salata are named presidents.
Oprah Takes CEO Role At OWN
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today that Oprah Winfrey will expand her role as chairman of the network and become the permanent chief executive officer and chief creative officer, effective this fall.
OWN also announced that Erik Logan and Sheri Salata, currently presidents of Harpo Studios, will now become presidents of OWN, effective immediately. Logan and Salata will work closely with Discovery Communications COO Peter Liguori in his role as interim CEO “to ensure a smooth transition and maximum creative output over the coming months,” OWN said in a statement.
Additionally, all future television production at Harpo Studios will be directed exclusively to OWN. Going forward, Logan and Salata will maintain their leadership and oversight responsibilities for OWN-produced content at Harpo Productions, including Rosie debuting in October, Oprah Presents Master Class, In The Bedroom With Dr. Laura Berman and Oprah’s Next Chapter coming in January 2012. Lisa Erspamer will also continue at OWN in the role of executive vice president of production and development.
“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.”
“The announcement of Oprah, Erik and Sheri completes the plan for developing a strategic creative track and finding the right management team to execute on that plan going forward,” said Liguori. “I look forward to a robust new season with Lisa Ling, Rosie and a number of projects that will continue building OWN’s audience, brand strength and growth.”
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