Ex-Cablevision exec, 605 founder Kristin Dolan to lead AMC Networks as CEO

AMC Networks has named Kristin Dolan, longtime board member and wife of interim executive chairman James Dolan, as its new CEO.

Kristin Dolan

Kristin Dolan assumes the role after most recently serving as founder and CEO of audience measurement and data analytics firm 605. She will assume her new role on February 27 on a three-year term.

Prior to founding 605, she spent 16 years at Cablevision Systems Corporation in a variety of roles including chief operating officer. She was also previously at AMC Networks (then known as Rainbow Media) in various marketing roles.

Her appointment comes less than three months after the departure of AMC Networks’ former CEO, Christina Spade.

Following Spade’s departure, James Dolan, whose family is the controlling shareholder of AMC Networks, assumed the role of interim CEO while the company began its search for a permanent replacement.

Like all media companies, AMC Networks is currently facing financial pressures on numerous fronts, with the company in November announcing that it would cut around 20% of its workforce. It also disclosed a content write-down of up to US$400m, which has seen the cancellation of multiple TV projects including 61st Street, Invitation to a Bonfire and Moonhaven among others.

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

“These are areas of critical importance as we transform our company and monetise 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.”

Kristin Dolan 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.”

AMC Networks is the parent company of streaming services such as Acorn TV, AMC+ and Shudder and cablenets including AMC, Sundance TV and IFC. It is set to report its year-end earnings on Friday.