Ed Carroll and Lisa Schwartz
Kino Lorber Bolsters C-Suite With Two Former AMC Networks Execs
January 9, 2023
Indie film distributor Kino Lorber Jan. 9 announced the expansion of its senior leadership team with the appointments of two AMC Networks veterans, Ed Carroll as chief strategy officer and Lisa Schwartz as chief revenue officer.
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 came in the wake of Kino Lorber’s recent acquisition of global media company MHz Networks, parent of streamer MHz Choice, a leading North American SVOD service that specializes in international television series.
Carroll enjoyed a three-decade career at AMC Networks, where he oversaw the development of such successful series as “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad” and “The Walking Dead.” He held 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 joins Kino Lorber after a 20-year run at AMC Networks, most recently overseeing IFC Films. Her experience includes creating breakthrough partnerships and innovative business models — including pioneering day-and-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.
“Ed and Lisa are a powerful combination and I’m thrilled to welcome them both to the Kino Lorber C-suite,” Lorber said. “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.”