AMC Networks has tacked on the chief operating officer title to CFO Christina Spade’s duties. She’ll now run the company’s operations domestically and internationally while maintaining oversight of its financials.
Spade is replacing Ed Carroll, who is leaving the company after 34 years.
The promotion is a pretty impressive vote of confidence, considering Spade, the former ViacomCBS chief financial officer, just joined AMC Networks in January. She is no stranger to the new (and possibly temporary) head honcho at AMC, however.
“Chris is a talented, experienced and versatile executive whose contributions have been critical to AMC Networks’ strong performance this year,” AMC Networks Interim CEO Matt Blank, who just joined the company in August, said in a statement on Monday. “Having worked alongside Chris for many years at Showtime, I know her leadership skills, her deep understanding of our business, and her strategic and data driven approach make her an ideal choice for this new role as we continue to rapidly grow our streaming business and build upon our substantial owned IP, and with our continued strong performance of our traditional linear channels.”
Spade reports to Blank. She is based in New York.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Matt and the talented team at AMC Networks in this new role, which will enable me to further lead the company’s ongoing business transformation and unlock opportunities for more efficient operations while also helping to guide and manage our investments for growth,” Spade said.
The company’s C-suite of executives has undergone quite the overhaul in just the past few months. Longtime president and CEO Josh Sapan has stepped down, as has his COO Carroll.
AMC Networks is home to AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv and IFC Films, as well as streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and ALLBLK.
There is also AMC Networks International, production-services business 25/7 Media and of course AMC Studios, which brought us “The Walking Dead.” In October, AMC Networks’ head of original programming, Dan McDermott, gained oversight of AMC Studios.
