Fuse CEO Michael Schwimmer Resigns

Longtime Fuse Media executive Michael Schwimmer has resigned from his position as CEO, the network said Monday.

Fuse COO/CFO Mike Roggero has been named interim CEO and will oversee operations for the Latino and multicultural youth-themed company.

Michael Schwimmer 

Michael Schwimmer 

Schwimmer, who will depart effective April 12, has served as CEO of the company since 2005. He oversaw the network’s growth and rebrand from then SiTV Media to NUVOtv in 2011 before spearheading the company’s 2014 acquisition of Fuse from Madison Square Garden Company.

RELATED: Fuse CEO Michael Schwimmer Looks to Reach Young, Multicultural Viewer (Video)

In 2012 Schwimmer established an historic strategic alliance entertainer/entrepreneur, Jennifer Lopez, including a multi-faceted collaboration with her company, Nuyorican Productions. 

RELATED: Jennifer Lopez talks about NuvoTV production deal (Video)

“Michael’s grit and determination over the years – often in the face of long odds - have been a key ingredient to our culture and our success,” Roggero said in a statement. “We’ll greatly miss his steady hand and sense of humor.”

Mike Roggero 

Mike Roggero 

Added Schwimmer: “I have spent nearly 16 years working closely with this incredible company, its board, executive team and some of the most talented people in media and entertainment, and am very proud of what we have built together. I am excited about what’s next, both for myself and with Fuse, and glad to know that the company is in the excellent hands of a strong executive team under the leadership of Mike Roggero – someone who has played a large role in setting Fuse up for future success.”

Roggero takes over the company after serving as an integral part of its leadership team for more than 12 years. Roggero has overseen the company’s multiplatform operations, finance, legal, pricing and planning and technology departments, and is responsible for the company’s relationships with the investment and analyst community.

RELATED: FUSE Blasts Comcast for Dropping Network 

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.