Lifetime Names Carole Black as President and CEO Amid Competition

Strategic Insights -

Lifetime Entertainment Services has appointed Carole Black, 54, as its new president and chief executive, effective March 22. Black replaces Doug McCormick, who held the top executive position for five years before his contract expired last year. The appointment comes as the company faces a challenge from Oxygen Media, which is set to launch a women's network on January 1. Black brings extensive experience in the industry, having worked as a senior vice president for television marketing and a vice president for home video marketing at Disney.

Key Takeaways:

  • Carole Black, 54, has been appointed as the new president and chief executive of Lifetime Entertainment Services, effective March 22.
  • Black has extensive experience in the industry, having held various positions at General Electric Co.'s NBC-owned and operated affiliate in Los Angeles and at Disney.
  • She replaces Doug McCormick, who held the top executive position for five years before his contract expired last year.
  • Lifetime faces a challenge from Oxygen Media, which is launching a women's network on January 1, led by former Disney executive Geraldine Laybourne.
  • Oxygen has secured partnerships with Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Entertainment Group and No. 2 U.S. cable operator Tele-Communications Inc. as a distributor for the new network.
  • Carole Black holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Ohio State University.
  • The appointment of Carole Black will be key to leading Lifetime against the competition from Oxygen Media.

Statistics:

  • Carole Black is 54 years old.
  • Lifetime is owned by publisher Hearst Corp. and Walt Disney Co.
  • Oxygen Media's new women's network is set to launch on January 1.
  • Doug McCormick held the top executive position at Lifetime for five years.
  • The number of years Carole Black has been in the industry: more than 30 years ()

Sources:

  • Lifetime Entertainment Services' press release announcing Carole Black's appointment
  • "Lifetime names Carole Black as president and chief executive", article on Crain's New York Business
  • "Oxygen Media to Launch Women's Network", article on Ad Age
  • "Disney's Laybourne Tapped to Head Oxygen Media", article on Variety