A+E Networks Chairman Abbe Raven to Retire in 2015

NEW YORK: Abbe Raven, the chairman of A+E Networks, is planning to retire on February 2, 2015, after 33 years with the company.

Raven announced her retirement plans in a memo to staff. Her departure sees Nancy Dubuc rise to the top post at A+E Networks, a succession plan that started with Dubuc being named president and CEO in April 2013 (a post that Raven had held for eight years).

Regarding her decision, Raven wrote: "33 years ago, I dreamed of breaking into the almost newborn cable business. By sheer good fortune, I saw an announcement in the NY Times heralding a promotional event for the launch of a brand new cable service called DAYTIME. With resume in hand, I went to the event at, of all places, the lingerie department at Macy’s, to meet the new network's programming executives. I jumped at the chance and with an eagerness to do anything—to copy scripts, to answer phones, to get coffee—indeed, to do whatever I was asked to help in the launch. And what a ride it has been!"

She continued, "My years here have been truly rewarding and exciting. I was fortunate to grow up and be mentored through the programming and production ranks, and then to develop as an executive. Together with many of you, I have had the privilege of helping to build what I believe to be the finest, most distinctive and most successful brands on the media landscape."

Raven added, "I will miss seeing you here in the office on a daily basis. I will miss the daily excitement and energy that runs through our halls. It's hard to say goodbye to the people and the company I love, the place I have been thinking about every day for most of my adult life. But it's time. Time for me to explore new ideas, new interests, new callings—new chapters in my life. And as Chairman Emeritus of the company in the future, I look forward to serving the company when called upon as an ambassador and advisor."