Stewart's 'Apprentice' Becomes a Family Affair

When it comes time to make a decision about whom to fire on "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart," the media/lifestyle mogul will turn to someone who knows her as well as anyone: her own daughter.

Alexis Stewart, who consults with her mother's company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, will be one of Martha's lieutenants in her version of "The Apprentice," which debuts Wednesday, Sept. 21 on NBC. Charles Koppelman, chairman of the board of MSLO, will fill the other seat next to Martha at the conference table.

"No one knows me better than Alexis, and she understands my way of conducting business and dealing with people," Martha Stewart says. "Charles brings the expertise of a legendary entrepreneur to the conference room each week."

Stewart's "Apprentice" will feature 16 candidates -- 10 women and six men -- vying for a job with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Weekly challenges will focus on the company's primary strengths of publishing, entertainment and branding.

Koppelman is a longtime music executive who has run several music publishing companies. He was CEO of EMI Records Group from 1994-97 and prior to that served four years as chairman and CEO of EMI Records Publishing, following the merger of EMI and S.B.K. Entertainment World, an independent publisher he co-founded. He's been on the Martha Stewart Living board since July 2004 and became its chairman two months ago.

Alexis Stewart serves as a consultant to her mother's company and is currently helping develop "Martha Stewart Living Radio" for the Sirius satellite-radio service. She's also had a hand in developing several high-end fitness centers in New York City and the Hamptons.

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