Changes at the Top at A+E Networks

NEW YORK: Several promotions and executive appointments have been made at A+E Networks under its new president and CEO, Nancy Dubuc, including Bob DeBitetto being tapped to lead the brand-new in-house production studio A+E Studios.

DeBitetto becomes the president of brand strategy and business development for the newly formed A+E Studios. Dirk Hoogstra has been promoted to executive VP and general manager for HISTORY and H2, while David McKillop takes on the same role for A&E and Rob Sharenow for Lifetime. Jana Bennett joins the company as the president of Bio. and LMN.

DeBitetto will be leading the new studio that has been set up to create content across all networks and platforms. He will also be overseeing cross-network brand strategy in regard to corporate initiatives and business development. Hoogstra, McKillop and Sharenow will all be responsible for the planning, programming and development of their respective networks. The marketing and brand development teams will report directly to them. Bennett will be overseeing the development strategies, marketing and brand efforts for Bio. and LMN. Bennett was formerly the president of BBC Worldwide networks and global BBC iPlayer.

Dubuc commented: “At A+E Networks, we have created an amazing culture that is focused on creativity and innovation, and this has driven unprecedented success. We have the top brands that appeal to men, women and adults and we have strong brands in our emerging networks. With the ramp up and realignment of our programming groups, A+E Networks is well positioned to reach even greater heights.”

Dubuc continued: “These are the people who have led their teams to some of the biggest successes on television over the last two years, including Hatfields & McCoys, The Bible, Vikings, Duck Dynasty, Bates Motel, Storage Wars, Dance Moms, Client List and Steel Magnolias. I have had the honor to work with Bob, David, Rob and Dirk for a many years, and am thrilled that we are continuing this journey together. They have been a collective Tour de Force across our networks with an extraordinary track record. I am extremely pleased that we are entrusting them to take our flagship brands into the next phase of our success. I am also thrilled that Bob will be overseeing A+E Studios—leading the charge for original content, working with evolving models and shaping the future of our company across all platforms. And I couldn’t be more excited that Jana is joining A+E Networks. She is an experienced industry veteran who knows how to build and grow brands and create long-running franchises. I am looking forward to her success in this new role.”