CBS Enterprises President, COO Resigns Post

Ed Wilson resigned Monday as president and chief operating officer of CBS Enterprises, the syndication and worldwide distribution arm of the network that sells such shows as “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Wheel of Fortune” and “Martha Stewart Living” to television stations.

Wilson, who joined CBS in January 1996, said he decided not to renew his contract, which expires in mid-August. He said he is eager to pursue other opportunities.

Industry executives have questioned Wilson’s staying power since CBS Corp. purchased leading syndicator King World Productions Inc. last year and merged it in January, under the CBS Enterprises banner, with its own distribution arm, Eyemark Entertainment, which Wilson had run.

Wilson reports to Roger King, the larger-than-life co-founder of King World who became chairman and chief executive of CBS Enterprises. Wilson said he agreed early on to report to King and that the merger was not a factor.

“Roger and I have been friends for a long time,” said Wilson, 43. “He had nothing to do with my leaving. I want to go out and build something new and if I had stayed I might not ever do that.”

Under Wilson, CBS made its first big money from the sale in syndication of a hit comedy. “Everybody Loves Raymond” has pulled in billions in syndication. Wilson also sold reruns of “Touched by an Angel” to Paxson Communications for a rich price.

Wilson said the recent merger of CBS and Viacom did not contribute to his decision. Hollywood has been rife with speculation about whether CBS and Viacom will merge their syndication divisions, which would make the firm the market leader.