Margaret Loesch

The woman behind “The Smurfs” knows a little something about kids’ programming. She’s been the founding president and CEO of three successful networks: Fox Kids Worldwide, The U.S. Hallmark Channel and now The Hub. In fewer than two years, she has transformed Discovery Kids into a family-targeted network with strong YOY gains, thanks to series like “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” and “Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot.” When she first entered cable, to rebuild a struggling channel, she realized she loved taking risks. “I always find that compelling,” she says. “I’ve also always liked the underdog attitude of cable, where nothing is taken for granted, thus risk-taking is encouraged and even celebrated. Thus, the successes are even sweeter.”