Thomas C. "Tom" Werner (born April 12, 1950 in New York City, New York) is the Chairman of the Boston Red Sox, as well as an American television producer and businessman.
Werner was born in to a wealthy New York area family. He was educated at The Hotchkiss School, one of the nation's elite private schools, and earned an English degree from Harvard University. In 1973, Werner entered television by working for ABC-TV. In 1975, he became the Director of East Coast Prime Time Development. Werner was promoted to senior vice president of the prime time development department in 1979.
Werner co-founded The Carsey-Werner Company with Marcy Carsey in 1980. In this capacity he served as executive producer of such television programs as The Cosby Show, Roseanne, 3rd Rock from the Sun and That 70s Show and other successful hits. Werner made nearly $600 million selling episodes of The Cosby Show for syndication. In 1999, he was inducted into the Museum of Television and Radio.
In 1990, Werner entered the world of sports by purchasing the San Diego Padres from Joan Kroc. Werner often used the team to help promote his television programs, such as when he invited Rosanne Barr to perform the national anthem. Werner was ostracized by fans and media for reducing the team's payroll, and he succumbed to pressure and quickly sold the franchise in 1994.
Werner is currently co-owner, along with John Henry, and Chairman of the Boston Red Sox baseball club. He and Henry paid $660 million for the franchise in February 2002, purchasing also Fenway Park and the New England Sports Network from the Yawkey Family Trust, managed by John Harrington. The Red Sox won two World Series since he became co-owner, in 2004 and 2007.
For a time, Werner was romantically involved with television host Katie Couric, then-host of Today, now lead anchor of the CBS Evening News.
Brother of Peter Werner (III)
Owns or used to own the Padres.
Former owner of the San Diego Padres baseball club Co-Owner of the Boston Red Sox baseball club as of February 2002
