Nancy Dubuc (left) and Abbe Raven (right)
New York – Nancy Dubuc has been appointed president and chief executive officer of A+E Networks, becoming the third CEO in the company’s nearly 30-year history. Dubuc will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company, with the brand groups and business divisions reporting to her.
It was also announced that Abbe Raven will be elevated to the newly created position of chairman, A+E Networks. Raven will spearhead A+E Networks’ long-term business and revenue opportunities, as well as public policy initiatives, and serve as corporate strategic adviser.
Raven will report directly to the company’s Board and Dubuc will report both to Raven and the Board. Their new roles are effective from June 1, 2013.
The announcement was made yesterday by the A+E Networks’ Board of Directors — led by Anne Sweeney, co-chairman, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group; and Steven Swartz, president & COO, Hearst Corporation.
“A+E Networks is the global media powerhouse it is today because of Abbe’s leadership and vision,” said Sweeney and Swartz jointly. “Abbe and Nancy have enjoyed one of the most successful partnerships in our business. Together, over the last several years, they have built some of the strongest brands in media. We look forward to the company’s next chapter as Abbe becomes chairman and Nancy steps into her expanded new role as president and CEO and leads the company into the future.”
“I am delighted that our next president and CEO has been chosen from within our own ranks once again,” Raven said. “A+E Networks’ culture has always been about rewarding success and encouraging innovation. Nancy is one of the most talented executives working in media today—a decisive leader, with her hallmark drive and determination. I am so proud of what Nancy, the management team and our employees have accomplished and I know they will take A+E Networks to new heights.”
“I am incredibly humbled by the opportunity to lead a company I love so much,” Dubuc said. “I built my career here and I thank Anne and Steve for their confidence and trust. Abbe has been a great mentor and partner for over 10 years. She created a corporate culture at A+E Networks where creativity thrives and as a result we cultivated some of the most powerful global brands in media. The biggest lesson I learned from her is that a great leader is nothing without a great team. I would like to thank all my colleagues for their continued support as we write this next chapter together. We have a powerful portfolio of brands that are well-positioned for future growth, both domestically and internationally.”
Since March 2005, Raven has led A+E Networks as president and chief executive officer, tripling its earnings and expanding its global portfolio. She oversaw the company’s strategic merger with Lifetime Television in 2009. The portfolio today encompasses A&E Network®, HISTORY®, Lifetime®, LMN®, bio.®, H2™, LRW™, Military HISTORY™, HISTORY en Español™, Crime & Investigation Network®, Lifetime Digital, A+E Networks International and A+E Networks Consumer Products.
Dubuc was formerly president, entertainment and media, A+E Networks. Dubuc oversaw all content creation, brand development and marketing for the entire A+E Networks’ portfolio including A&E Network, Lifetime, HISTORY and their affiliated brands. In addition, she oversaw A+E Networks’ international and digital divisions.
