A+E Networks veteran Abbe Raven is retiring and leaving her post as chairman starting in February.
Raven has been with the company for 33 years — starting as an assistant and rising to its top spot. She announced her plans in an internal memo to the company’s 1200 staffers on Sunday, which TheWrap has obtained.
“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,” Raven wrote.
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“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.”
Raven was promoted to the chairman position in June 2013. She serves as the company’s strategic corporate business advisor, spearheading long-term business and revenue opportunities as well as initiating public policy initiatives.
Previously, Raven led A+E Networks as president and chief executive officer. During her tenure in the position, the company tripled its earnings and expanded its global portfolio. She also oversaw the company’s strategic merger with Lifetime Television in 2009. Under Raven, A+E Networks’ channels and branded programming had grown to reach more than 330 million households in more than 150 countries.
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Prior to her position as president and CEO, Raven held high level executive roles at the company’s properties A&E Network, The Biography Channel and The History Channel.
In September 2012, Raven was named one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business by Fortune. And in April 2011, she was the recipient of the prestigious New York Women in Communications Matrix Award. In October 2009, Raven was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. At a White House ceremony in May 2007, Raven accepted the prestigious Preserve America Presidential Award from first lady Laura Bush for History Channel’s longstanding commitment to historic preservation. And in April 2005, she received the Vanguard Award for Distinguished Leadership from the National Cable Television Association for her years of leadership in the cable industry.
Raven has served on the boards of the NCTA, the NAMIC Foundation and the CTAM Educational Foundation and on the advisory board of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. In 2005, she was elected a Director of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Also read: Abbe Raven, Nancy Dubuc Promoted at A&E Networks
Read her memo in full below:
33 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