The former top AMC Networks executives will help shape Kino Lorber’s content and distribution strategies.
Kino Lorber today announced the expansion of its senior leadership team with the appointments of Ed Carroll as Chief Strategy Officer and Lisa Schwartz as Chief Revenue Officer. Together, Carroll and Schwartz will work closely with Kino Lorber Chairman and CEO Richard Lorber and COO Martha Benyam to help shape the company’s content and distribution strategies, including an accelerated expansion into digital spaces. The announcement comes on the heels of Kino Lorber’s recent acquisition of global media company MHz Networks, parent of streamer MHz Choice, the leading North American SVOD service dedicated to international television series.
Carroll joins Kino Lorber after a three-decade career at AMC Networks, where he oversaw the development of some of TV's most iconic and successful series including Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, Portlandia, Killing Eve, and Inside the Actors Studio. He served in various leadership roles including President at Bravo and COO of AMC Networks, where he was in charge of all programming, marketing, ad sales and international distribution. Carroll helmed AMC Networks’ streaming channels including Acorn, Sundance Now, IFC Unlimited and Shudder, and presided over the launch of AMC+. He was also instrumental in AMC’s acquisition of RLJ/Acorn and its equity stake in BBC America.
Schwartz comes to Kino Lorber following a 20-year tenure at AMC Networks, most recently overseeing IFC Films where she achieved success by engaging audiences with award-winning film content across genres and platforms. Her extensive experience is highlighted by successes in creating breakthrough partnerships and innovative business models — including pioneering day/date film distribution. She led the distribution strategies of Oscar-nominated films and documentaries including Boyhood; Two Days, One Night; 45 Years; and Finding Vivian Maier. Additionally, she was the lead architect for the development and launch of the IFC Films Unlimited SVOD service, as well as IFC Films’ first AVOD streaming channel, IFC Films Pick.
Said Carroll, “Bringing prestige content to market and helping it find a wide audience has been the most fun and satisfying part of my career. Richard Lorber and his team have built a company that stands for high-quality storytelling, and I am excited to help build on that success.”
Said Schwartz, “I have been a longtime admirer of Kino Lorber and their acclaimed films. I’m excited to bring their high-quality, diverse new releases and extensive catalog films to passionate, discerning audiences through expanding access on both digital and traditional distribution platforms. I’m looking forward to working together with Richard, Ed and Martha to continue to grow the business.”
Said Lorber, “Ed and Lisa are a powerful combination, and I’m thrilled to welcome them both to the Kino Lorber C-suite. Following our acquisition of the MHz Choice streaming service, it’s the perfect time for them to join, as we further innovate our distribution strategies to make prestige international film and TV content accessible to audiences throughout North America. Like me, they care intensely about quality, and finding and sharing artistically elevated stories that connect across many genres.”