DeBitetto Leaving A+E Networks After 14 Years

After 14 years with A+E Networks, Bob DeBitetto is leaving the company, where he currently heads A+E Studios.
DeBitetto had a key role in revitalizing A&E Network with shows like Dog, The Bounty Hunter. More recently at the studio, he helped shepherd shows including Lifetime’s UnReal and the miniseries reboot of Roots.
A+E CEO Nancy Dubuc expects that a new head of A+E Studios will be named shortly.
Related: Amanda Hill Named CMO for A+E Networks
“Over the last 14 years, Bob DeBitetto has been a vital force in our company. As President of A&E, he lead the network to an impressive 10 year ratings growth streak and he had a hand in creating some of our biggest franchises,” Dubuc said in a memo to staff on Monday. “This summer, Bob told me he had decided to pursue the next chapter in his storied career and I want to be the first to wish him the very best.”
DeBitetto was named president of brand strategy, business development and A+E Studios in 2013.
Related: A&E Renews ‘Born This Way’
Previously, he was president and general manager of A&E Networks and Bio.
He helped turn A&E into a top 10 network under the brand “Real Life. Drama,” first by pushing reality based series, then by expanding into scripted shows.
He joined A&E as senior VP, programming in 2003.
Before joining A&E, DeBitetto was with Time Warner and Turner Broadcasting, including a spell as TNT’s president of original programming. He began his career at Disney.
Here’s the text of Dubuc’s memo:
Over the last 14 years, Bob DeBitetto has been a vital force in our company. As President of A&E, he lead the network to an impressive 10 year ratings growth streak and he had a hand in creating some of our biggest franchises. Nearly three years ago, when I took over as CEO I asked Bob to create and lead A+E Studios so we would participate in owning our scripted content. In a few short years, the Studio created our most critically-acclaimed series ever, UnReal, and the Emmy-nominated ROOTS. The studio now has over 40 series in active development including History’s upcoming series Six and Knightfall. It has become a major force in Hollywood and he has played a key role in its success.
Bob has been a friend, partner and mentor to me over the course of his entire career at A&E. He is widely respected in our industry and is often referred to as "the smartest guy in the room." So it is with great sadness that I am announcing his departure from A+E Networks. This summer, Bob told me he had decided to pursue the next chapter in his storied career and I want to be the first to wish him the very best.
Bob will be here until the end of the year and I expect to make an announcement shortly about the new leader of A+E Studios.
Please join me in wishing Bob continued success. I know we are all going to miss him greatly.
Best,
Nancy
The smarter way to stay on top of broadcasting and cable industry. Sign up below.
Thank you for signing up to Broadcasting & Cable. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.