Advanced Television

A+E Networks leadership shuffle

December 17, 2015

A+E Networks has announced a bolstering of its Corporate Development, Strategy and Investments division, as well as the aligning of its Digital and International groups under one executive. Sean Cohan, who leads the A+E Networks International division, is also taking on oversight of Digital Media, and has been elevated to President, International and Digital Media.

Daniel Suratt, former head of Digital Media & Business Development, is taking on the new position and being promoted to President, Corporate Development, Strategy and Investments, A+E Networks.  This transition becomes effective January 1st 2016. Suratt will report to David Granville-Smith, Chief Financial Officer, A+E Networks and Cohan will continue report to Nancy Dubuc, President and CEO, A+E Networks.

“Over the next five years, our growth will come from international and digital expansion, as well as revenue diversification.  By appointing Dan and Sean to these new roles and aligning our businesses and goals, A+E Networks is well positioned for future success,” said Dubuc.

As President, International & Digital Media, Cohan assumes added responsibility for all strategic, operational, editorial and distribution functions around digital media globally. This includes broadband and mobile elements of all A+E Networks brands, including video content, apps, websites, and games.  He will continue to manage all of A+E Networks international brands, services, and staff outside of the US.  Today, the company operates 75 branded channel feeds abroad and distributes a 12,000-hour library across more than 200 territories, in 39 languages and a range of platforms.

Under Cohan’s stewardship, A+E Networks, has undergone a period of tremendous growth abroad.  Under his direction, A+E has completed its global footprint in all markets where local law allows; launched 54 channels and a raft of owned and co-owned entities; established presence and new businesses in India, Southeast Asia, France, German-speaking Europe, Scandinavia, Benelux, Central Europe, and Russia; initiated global rollouts of Lifetime, A&E, CI, and H2 brands; and achieved a #1, 2, or 3 ranking in factual pay-tv virtually every market.  Cohan also built a top factual content sales and formats organization; driven co-productions like World Wars and Miracle Rising: South Africa and acclaimed local versions for Pawn Stars and Dance Moms; launched the largest global television movie distribution unit; as well as successful drama distribution for the first time in company history, with critically acclaimed events such as Lifetime’s Unreal and the highly anticipated Roots.

In his new role, Suratt will be responsible for A+E Networks corporate development, strategy and investments.  Suratt was a member of the team that recently completed A+E Networks’ investments in VICE, Epic Magazine, Panna and Samba. With Suratt’s leadership, the Corporate Development team will continue to assess investment opportunities as well as set the investment strategies for the company overall.
 

 

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