In the latest in a series of executive exits, the chief financial officer for Hallmark Channel’s parent company is leaving, according to a securities filing Monday.
William Aliber, CFO for Crown Media Holdings, tendered his resignation Friday, effective Sept. 30, according to an 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission Monday.
Brian Stewart, currently senior vice president and CFO of Crown Media U.S. -- the corporate name for Hallmark Channel itself, and a unit of Crown Media -- was appointed interim CFO. Crown -- which sold off its international unit -- now includes Hallmark and a 640-title film library.
In June, Crown president and CEO David Evans left the company, long before his contract was due to expire in September. And in April, executive vice president and chief marketing officer Chris Moseley resigned.
Crown is winding down a search for Evans’ replacement, looking at internal candidates as well as outsiders, including Court TV nonexecutive chairman Henry Schleiff.
Aliber, who has been CFO since May 2000, was one of the executives involved in Crown’s failed attempt earlier this year to find a buyer or strategic partner for Hallmark.
Under Aliber’s severance agreement, he will receive $496,000, the equivalent of one year’s salary, as well as $74,400, which represents his pro-rata 2006 bonus for Jan. 1-Sept. 30.
A Crown spokesman said Aliber will work with Stewart for a transition period until he leaves the company in September.
Aliber has held various posts at Crown and its chief shareholder, Hallmark Cards, since 1990.
