SVP of Finance and Treasurer, Charter
WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Schmitz was quite a busy lady last October. Not only did she rework Charter Communications Inc.’s multibillion dollar debt refinancing, but she became a new mother, bearing twins just two weeks after the deal was finalized. In 2006 and beyond, the nation’s fourth-largest MSO must rebuild itself under new leader Neil Smit, and Schmitz’s group must keep a close watch on resources as Charter looks to reconnect with customers and Wall Street.
HIGH ’05s: “The most significant achievement in 2005 was the over $8 billion debt-for-debt exchange Charter recently closed. After considering many options and alternatives to address the maturities, we elected to enter into a debt-for-debt exchange that was a transformational change to the maturity profile for our company. It was an incredibly complicated transaction that required substantial teamwork, planning, leadership, and creditability internally and externally.”
PICKS IN ’06: “The primary agenda item is to continue to position Charter to be able to continue to maximize our operating network to its fullest potential.”
EXECUTIVE EVOLUTION: “Opportunities for women in cable and in general have evolved substantially over the years with several great women leaders in the cable industry. Charter is a great example of the fading gender lines with so many women in key positions.”
MY TIME: “I had twin boys in October. As a result, my hobbies and outside work activities have dramatically changed. We are home a lot, really enjoying our family time.”
