Former A+E Networks chair and CEO Abbe Raven was named to the advisory council for the Smithsonian Institution‘s new American Women’s History Museum.

“The founding council members come from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, but they each possess the same passion for gender equity and uplifting women’s voices,” Lisa Sasaki, the interim director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, said. “They have broken through barriers and shattered expectations, making them uniquely qualified to lead a new museum that aims to do the same.”

A site-selection process is underway. The architectural/engineering firm Ayers Saint Gross will conduct the site evaluations for the museum and for the National Museum of the American Latino. Both were established by Congress Dec. 27, 2020.

The 25-member council will advise the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents and make recommendations on the location, design and construction of the new museum, help with private fundraising and provide for maintenance of its collections.

Raven became CEO of A+E Networks in 2005 and was named chair in 2013. A+E Networks operates cable networks, including the History Channel. She retired and became chairman emeritus in 2015 and returned as acting chair in 2018. 

The 25-member council includes 19 citizens, the Smithsonian secretary, a member of the board of regents and four members appointed by congressional leadership.

In addition to Raven, the citizen members of the council include Lynda Carter, Jewan Case, Melissa Fetter, Billie Jean King, Penny Pritzker and Cara Sylvester. 

A+E Networks president and CEO Nancy Dubuc is leaving the company effective April 16, A+E confirmed Monday (March 12).

Former A+E Networks CEO Abbe Raven, who retired from the company in 2015, will replace Dubuc until a new replacement is named, said company officials.

Dubuc, who spent nearly 20 years at A+E Networks – the last five as president and CEO --oversaw a portfolio of networks that included A&E Network, Lifetime, History, Lifetime Movies and Viceland, along with A+E Studios, A+E Networks International, A&E Films.

“In her roughly 20 years at A+E Networks, Nancy played a major role in building the success of A&E, HISTORY and Lifetime, and we thank her for her leadership,” said Steven R. Swartz, president and CEO of Hearst, and Ben Sherwood, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney|ABC Television, in a joint statement.“We are also very grateful to Abbe, a former CEO of the company and one of A+E’s first employees, for agreeing to return on a temporary basis as acting chair.”

Dubuc, who was reported to be in the running for the Amazon Studios top job prior to Amazon naming NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke to the post, said in a statement that she is leaving to look for her “next dare and challenge,” and added she’s proud of what she and A&E have accomplished together.

“Together, we have had the privilege to build some of the most iconic brands in media,” she said. “Every step of my career, I have had the opportunity to learn and grow from some of the most inspiring and innovative minds at A+E and in both the creative and business community.” 

Raven, who worked with A+E Networks for 33 years, added in a statement: “Nancy and I have worked together for almost 20 years and I have seen the tremendous accomplishments and innovation she has brought to A+E – from its creative content to attracting award-winning talent and the digital and studio businesses she has nurtured. A+E is a special place with extraordinary and talented people.  I look forward to helping the board and leading the talented A+E teams during this transition.”

Dubuc's full statement follows:

“For nearly 20 years, I have called A+E Networks home and the team has been an extended part of my family. Together, we have had the privilege to build some of the most iconic brands in media. Every step of my career, I have had the opportunity to learn and grow from some of the most inspiring and innovative minds at A+E and in both the creative and business community. I could not be prouder of what we achieved together.   

“Anyone who knows me well knows I am an entrepreneur, creator, rebel and disruptor at heart. I have a famous neon sign in my office that blares ‘Who dares wins.’ After 20 years at A+E, the hardest thing will be to leave the people and company I love. But, as a creative executive and leader, and to stay true to my personal mantra, I need my next dare and my next challenge. 

“I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our owners at Hearst and The Walt Disney Company for their unwavering support and belief in me over my long career here. I’d especially like to thank Steve and Ben for supporting my decision to write my next chapter.    

“I have supreme confidence in the brave storytellers and management team A+E and I will always be rooting for and watching proudly from the sidelines – even as I head off to my next adventure.”

Abbe Raven's long career with A&E Networks will come to an end in early February.

Raven, who rose through the ranks from production assistant to chairman, will retire on Feb. 2. Well-liked and respected throughout the cable industry she helped expand, Raven let company employees know about her plan on Sunday evening in a memo. 

Her exit will be followed by Nancy Dubuc's full ascension in heading the programmer, whose portfolio is led by A&E Network, History and Lifetime. A&E Networks is a joint venture of The Walt Disney Co. and Hearst Corp.

Dubuc was named president and CEO of A&E Networks in April 2013, succeeding Raven in those roles as she assumed day-to-day operational leadership.  As chairman, Raven has continued to lead the company's long-term business and revenue opportunities, public policy initiatives and corporatre outreach. 

After stints as a stage manager for theater productions and a school teacher, Raven started at Lifetime predecessor Daytime. Over the course, she saw the launch of A&E, History and the women's-targeted network. She will continue as chairman emeritus and plans to enjoy her retirement by traveling with her husband. 

Here is her letter to A+E employees:

Thirty-three years ago, I dreamed of breaking into the almost newborn cable business. By sheer good fortune, I saw an announcement in the NY Times heralding a promotional event for the launch of a brand new cable service called DAYTIME. With resume in hand, I went to the event at – of all places – the lingerie department at Macy’s – to meet the new network’s programming executives. I jumped at the chance and with an eagerness to do anything—to copy scripts — to answer phones —to get coffee– indeed, to do whatever I was asked to help in the launch. And what a ride it has been!

And now, after nearly 33 years at A+E Networks, my true and dear professional home – I wanted all of you to know first– that I have decided to retire on February 2 as its Chairman. My years here have been truly rewarding and exciting. I was fortunate to grow up and be mentored through the programming and production ranks, and then to develop as an executive. Together with many of you, I have had the privilege of helping to build what I believe to be the finest, most distinctive and most successful brands on the media landscape.

It is hard to believe that in 1984, A&E started out with one programming network and today we have a portfolio in over 350 million households and 180 territories around the world together with successful ancillary businesses. I remember being in the control room at the launch of A&E, Lifetime and History — like it was yesterday.

When I started out xeroxing scripts and answering phones as a few dollars an hour assistant in 1982 – I would never have imagined I would become a manager, director, and senior executive–not to mention the President and CEO and then Chairman of a major media company. That was never my goal. My goal was to find something I would love to do, something I could contribute to in my own way–something to be part of. I instantly became passionate about this business and this company. I love that we get to tell stories that touch people’s lives – stories that can make a difference –and that resonate with people all around the world. It has been the thrill of a lifetime watching this company grow, lead and thrive.

One of the universally recognized hallmarks of A+E Networks that has made me so proud has been our unique culture and our incredible people. It has been a testament to this organization that for over three decades we have consistently attracted and developed the finest talent in order to compete in the marketplace and to succeed.

No one person, since birth of this company, did more to build this company, to create its culture and to guide and develop its people than my predecessor, mentor, and dear friend, Nick Davatzes. We all owe a great debt to Nick and the company continues to reflect his commitment, his leadership, his energy, and his principles. I am thrilled that Nancy, who has been my business partner, my successor and my dear friend, will be guiding you and this company into a future of great opportunities and challenges. Nancy is a superb leader and a true visionary.

We also have the best and brightest management team in the business. I thank my Executive Assistant extraordinaire of ten years, Heather Graham, who has been my trusted and invaluable right hand. And, most important, A&E has the most talented, most dedicated employees in our industry—of this, I am most proud. I would like to thank both Nancy and the management team for their leadership, their friendship and their role in the company’s success. And I know they are going to keep growing this company to new heights.

This company and its people have been close to my heart for three decades. So many of you have become my extended family and good friends. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your commitment and for the contributions you make every day. We come together here from all walks of life to create our own brand of magic, and that magic has had, and will continue to have, a unique and lasting impact on popular culture.

I will miss seeing you here in the office on a daily basis. I will miss the daily excitement and energy that runs through our halls. It’s hard to say goodbye to the people and the company I love, the place I have been thinking about every day for most of my adult life. But it’s time. Time for me to explore new ideas, new interests, new callings—new chapters in my life. And as Chairman Emeritus of the company in the future, I look forward to serving the company when called upon as an ambassador and advisor.

And so, as I enter this next chapter, I envision a busy and fulfilling life, including continued involvement in the television industry and on corporate and non-profit boards and with issues I care about. And, of course, I also look forward to more and longer walks on the beach with my husband, and to having the time to really explore the world.

I will be rooting for each and every one of you all across this great company. Continue to make magic every day, be bold, make a difference, and have passion for and appreciate what you do. I wish each of you, and the great company that you serve, all the success in the world.

With great respect and affection,

Abbe

Pencil has announced a new addition to the board of directors, Abbe Raven, Chairman of A+E Networks.

Raven has worked with high school students for the past 10 years, prepping them for television opportunities. A+E Networks is a part of Pencil Fellows, which is a job training program for high school students.

“As a visionary business leader, former teacher and longtime Pencil supporter, Abbe has a deep understanding of the power of Pencil’s models of school-business collaboration to prepare today’s students for college and careers,” said Pencil Board of Directors Chair, Howard Chatzinoff, a partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. “Throughout her career, Abbe has channeled her passion for education to develop groundbreaking television programming."

Raven is a long-standing employee at A+E, with more than 30 years of experience.

“It’s been a privilege to work with Pencil over the past decade to use my business and leadership experience to help today’s students succeed,” said Raven. “Now, more than ever, education must equip students for the world beyond the four walls of their school. As a proud product of New York City public schools, I am honored to be joining Pencil’s board of directors to help students realize their dreams for continued education and for succeeding in today’s competitive marketplace.”

Recognized as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business by Fortune and one of the Top 5 Most Powerful Women in Entertainment, Raven has also been noted for running one of the most successful media businesses today.