Bellator Appoints David Schwarz as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications

David Schwarz has been named to the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications for Viacom’s fast-rising sports franchise, Bellator. Schwarz will oversee five critical areas of Bellator’s development including consumer marketing, communications, social media, ticket sales, and digital. The announcement was made today by Scott Coker, Bellator CEO and President, to whom he will report.

Schwarz, a 19-year veteran of Viacom, most recently served as Senior Vice President, Communications Paramount Network, a position he held since 2011, and has been a proven brand builder for the company. Schwarz played an integral role in the launch of Spike, “The First Network For Men” in 2003 and the rebrand into Paramount Network, the home of premium-quality scripted and non-scripted programming, earlier this year.

“David has a wealth of experience as a brand builder and will play a vital role in Bellator’s continued upward trajectory as a thriving global franchise,” says Coker.

The new position speaks to Viacom’s commitment to growing the emerging sports property. Schwarz’s extensive experience is tailor made for the position. During his tenure at Viacom, Schwarz has overseen the network’s communications’ efforts for the network’s sports and sports entertainment properties including Bellator, The Ultimate Fighting Championship, Premier Boxing Champions, the WWE, and TNA Wrestling. Prior to the Spike launch, Schwarz oversaw the TNN’s communications’ efforts for the XFL, Arena Football, and ECW Wrestling.

Prior to joining Viacom, Schwarz served in various Public Relations’ positions at USA Network, overseeing the PR responsibilities for the network’s coverage of U.S. Open and French Open tennis, The Masters, The Ryder Cup, and PGA Tour events, USA Tuesday Night Fights boxing series, the WWE, and The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Schwarz is a graduate of Syracuse University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science.