AMC Networks appoints Kristin Dolan as chief exec

Embattled AMC Networks has appointed experienced media exec Kristin Dolan as its chief executive.

Dolan has more than three decades’ experience in the media and entertainment industry and most recently was chief of audience measurement and data analytics firm 605, which she founded in 2016.

She will take up her role on 27 February, having been appointed by AMC Networks interim executive chairman James L. Dolan, who is also her husband. 

James Dolan, who heads up Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp, was appointed to his position by AMC’s board in December, providing strategic oversight of the company following the abrupt departure in August of former chief exec Christina Spade after less than months.

Spade’s departure coincided with AMC announcing a planned 20% cut to its US workforce in light of challenging economic headwinds.

The media giant behind Breaking Bad, Mad Men and The Walking Dead has since announced programming write-downs of $400m (£332m) as part of cost-saving measures.

“Kristin is a proven executive and operational leader with a track record driving organizational change, a history managing subscription-based businesses, and a deep understanding of audience engagement and advertising,” James Dolan said. 

“These are areas of critical importance as we transform our company and monetize our high-quality content. With her considerable experience and knowledge of the company, Kristin is the ideal person to lead AMC Networks into its next chapter as we navigate this transformative period in the industry.”

Prior to setting up 605, Kristin Dolan spent 16 years in various operating roles at Cablevision Systems Corporation (now Altice US), the 6th largest MVPD in the US, including as chief operating officer. She was part of the leadership team that was sold to European telco giant Altice in 2016 for $17.6bn (£14.1bn). 

She worked for AMC Networks in its previous guise Rainbow Media, in senior affiliate marketing and distribution roles. She sits on the board of Madison Square Garden Company and The Wendy’s Company.

Praising AMC’s “long legacy of engaging audiences with excellent storytelling and world-class brands,” she added: 

“It’s also where I started my career in the industry. I look forward to bringing my broad experience – across programming, cable operations, and most recently, utilising data to reimagine television advertising – to leverage AMC Networks’ strong assets, drive the next phase of the company’s growth, and build shareholder value in the coming years.”