AMC Networks ups Dan McDermott to president of entertainment and AMC Studios

New York-headquartered AMC Networks has promoted Dan McDermott to the role of president of entertainment and AMC Studios, with his remit expanding to include oversight of the company’s business affairs, acquisitions, scheduling and consumer PR operations.

Dan McDermott

McDermott, whose former role was president of original programming for AMC Networks and head of AMC Studios, joined AMC Networks in early 2020 after having run the Lionsgate and BBC Studios scripted television partnership.

The expansion of his responsibilities comes following the recent departures of entertainment group president Sarah Barnett, who stepped down from the role in July, and COO Ed Carroll, whose departure after 34 years was revealed last month.

In his expanded role, McDermott will directly manage several senior executives and their teams including Rafael Gomez, head of business affairs; David Epstein, executive VP of content and inventory strategy; and Marnie Black, executive VP of public relations.

McDermott is also former president of television at DreamWorks, where he oversaw shows including Spin City and Freaks and Geeks. He has also been a producer, writer and partner in Di Bonaventura Pictures Television.

“His new responsibilities allow him to have an even greater impact on our continued success engaging fans and driving popular culture through our linear networks and array of fast-growing targeted streaming services, including AMC+,” Matt Blank, interim CEO of AMC Networks in a statement.