AMC Networks Names Matt Blank Interim CEO in Executive Shuffle

It’s the end of an era at AMC Networks. Longtime president and CEO Josh Sapan will transition to the role of executive vice chairman after 26 years at the helm of the cable network, the company announced today. Matt Blank, a 40-year industry veteran who spent 20 years as chairman and CEO of Showtime Networks, will take on the role of interim CEO for a year as the company looks for a permanent replacement. As part of the move, he has resigned from his position on the board of MSG Entertainment. The transition will take place Sept. 8. Blank and Sapan work closely together as the company looks to forge ahead with its streaming efforts while nurturing the company's core linear assets. Sapan will focus particularly on the company's targeted streaming strategy, which includes platforms such as AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and AllBlk, and he will continue to help guide AMC Networks’ corporate and creative direction. AMC Networks Says Niche Focus Makes It ‘the Worldwide Leader in Targeted Streaming’ “This has been the greatest career I could have ever imagined, and I am enormously proud of all that we have accomplished. I am deeply grateful to Charles and Jim Dolan for allowing me this spectacular opportunity,” Sapan said in a statement. “There has perhaps been no more exciting time for the company than right now and, as executive vice chairman, I look forward to continuing to work with the outstanding team at AMC Networks, as well as Matt, my great colleague and friend, to focus on how we maximize our unique content to accelerate our streaming goals.” Sapan first became president and CEO in 1995, when the company was still known as Rainbow Media and a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation. He led the launch of the company’s first streaming offerings in 2014 and 2015, followed by the 2018 acquisition of RLJ Entertainment, as well as the debut of the AMC+ premium bundle, putting streaming front and center for the company. “Over his long career, Josh’s leadership ensured AMC Networks became a force in entertainment, with far-reaching influence throughout the industry, and home to some of the most successful and innovative shows in the history of television,” AMC Networks chairman James Dolan said in a statement. “We are grateful for his vision, creativity and management expertise and look forward to his continued contributions as executive vice chairman.” Blank brings with him a wealth of industry experience from top positions at Showtime Networks and at HBO. While at Showtime, where Blank also served as president and chief operating officer, he helped the company expand into streaming with the debut of Showtime's subscription video product, now a cornerstone of ViacomCBS' streaming portfolio.

Programming & Performance

AMC Networks Names Matt Blank Interim CEO in Executive Shuffle

Josh Sapan will step down as president and CEO and transition to executive vice chairman

Mollie Cahillane

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Mollie Cahillane