Sarah Barnett, David Madden Upped as AMC Networks Sets New Structure

AMC Networks is implementing a new management structure for its entertainment networks, with promotions for Sarah Barnett and David Madden.

Barnett, who currently oversees BBC America as its president and general manager, will become president of entertainment networks, with oversight for AMC, BBC America, SundanceTV and IFC. The role will also include direct oversight of AMC Premiere, the company’s premium SVOD service. Barnett will continue to report to Ed Carroll, COO of AMC Networks.

Madden, currently president of programming for AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios, will add responsibility for BBC America and IFC programming to his remit. He will be serving as president of programming across the company’s four entertainment networks and studio. In his entertainment networks’ role, Madden will report to Barnett. In his capacity as the head of programming for AMC Studios, he will report to Carroll.

The company’s lifestyle network, WE tv, will continue to be managed by Marc Juris, reporting to Carroll.

Additionally, Linda Schupack, currently executive VP of marketing for AMC and SundanceTV, has been promoted to the new role of president of marketing for entertainment networks, overseeing all marketing functions for AMC, BBC America, SundanceTV and IFC. Schupack will report to Barnett.

“Sarah is an incredibly talented executive who has distinguished herself leading BBC America and, prior to that, SundanceTV, to new heights with acclaimed shows that have redefined each brand,” Carroll said. “She stands out for being an inspired thinker and innovator who brings a deep knowledge of the business, strong creative instincts and excellent leadership skills to this new role, and she’s well-positioned to make even more significant contributions to our success as we strategically shift to an enterprise-wide structure across our scripted entertainment networks.”

Barnett commented: “I’m privileged to work closely with David, whose creative chops and deep experience and relationships are going to fuel our forward momentum. David is a singular talent and I can’t wait to work more closely with him.”

Barnett added: “Linda is a clear leader in entertainment marketing, having engaged fans over many years across some of the most iconic and well-known series in television history. Her innovation in blending performance marketing with consistent creative excellence is exactly what is needed for the changing landscape of entertainment.”

“This new management structure will enable us to better operate and leverage the strength of our entertainment networks as we continue to position the company to take advantage of new opportunities,” said Jennifer Caserta, who last spring was appointed as the company’s chief transformation officer and led the development of the new structure. “Consolidating these networks under a centralized leadership structure will also allow us to recognize efficiencies that will put AMC Networks in a stronger competitive position as we move forward.”