5 AUG 2022

AMC Networks revamps its executive team with new appointments

Former Chief Operating Officer and Chief FInancial Officer to Chief Executive Officer, Christina Spade will now serve as Chief Executive Officer, while Patrick O’Connell has been appointed to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer.

5 AUG 2022
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Christina Spade

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AMC Networks has promoted Chief Operating Officer and Chief FIinancial Officer, Christina Spade, to Chief Executive Officer, effective 9 September, 2022. The company also appointed Patrick O’Connell, previously a senior executive at CBS Corporation and Goldman Sachs, as the company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Both executives will report to Sade. “I want to thank Matt for his leadership over the past year and for the changes he’s brought about in the company and best positioning us for our further pivot into streaming," AMC Networks Chairman James Dolan said.  “I’m delighted that Chris is taking over as our new CEO. She is a proven leader with a long track record driving transformative change in media and entertainment and I am confident she has the expertise and vision to guide AMC Networks to greater success.”

Spade, a media and entertainment industry veteran who previously held senior roles at ViacomCBS, CBS Corporation and Showtime, will succeed Matt Blank, who initially joined AMC Networks as Interim Chief Executive Officer. “I am honored to assume the role of CEO," Spade said. "I’m a fan of this company in every respect, its content, brands, and most importantly, its people and dynamic and inclusive culture. I’m grateful for the support of Jim, our Board of Directors and Matt, and I look forward to working with the strong team here to unlock the rich opportunities that lie ahead.”

Spade initially joined AMC Networks as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer in January 2021 and was soon promoted to a new dual role of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer in November 2021. In this role she oversaw AMC Networks’ key businesses, financial operations as well as investor relations and global technology. She also contributed to ViacomCBS, CBS Corporation, and Showtime Networks, Inc., among other popular media companies.

A financial and strategic executive and media and technology industry veteran, O’Connell joins AMC Networks from Branded. Prior to joining Branded, O’Connell was Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Development at CBS Corporation. “Patrick is a highly accomplished executive focused on delivering strong financial performance with a deep understanding of today’s media landscape opportunities," Spade said. I" know he’ll be instrumental in driving the business forward with his strong finance track record, entrepreneurial drive and collaborative approach.”

"The executive appointments come as AMC Networks continues to pursue a successful streaming strategy targeting distinct audiences. Its strong streaming portfolio includes AMC+ and targeted platforms Acorn TV, ALLBLK, HIDIVE, Shudder and Sundance Now, and now reaches 10.8 million paying subscribers in aggregate and is on track to reach 20-25 million subscribers in 2025. The company is in the midst of its biggest year of original programming," a recent press release states.