MUMBAI: US broadcaster A+E Networks has promoted Nancy Dubuc to president, CEO. She has become the third CEO in the company?s nearly 30-year history.

Dubuc will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company, with the brand groups and business divisions reporting to her. She was formerly president, entertainment and media. Abbe Raven who was president, CEO since March 2005 will be elevated to the newly created position of A+E Networks chairman. She will spearhead A+E Networks? long-term business and revenue opportunities, as well as public policy initiatives, and serve as corporate strategic adviser.

In India the company runs History TV18 through its JV with TV18. The announcement was made by the A+E Networks? board of directors - led by Disney Media Networks co-chairman Anne Sweeney and Hearst president and COO Steven Swartz. Raven will report directly to the company?s board and Dubuc will report both to Raven and the board. Their new roles are effective from 1 June.

Sweeney and Swartz jointly said, "A+E Networks is the global media powerhouse it is today because of Abbe?s leadership and vision. Abbe and Nancy have enjoyed one of the most successful partnerships in our business. Together, over the last several years, they have built some of the strongest brands in media. We look forward to the company?s next chapter as Abbe becomes chairman and Nancy steps into her expanded new role as president and CEO and leads the company into the future."

Raven said, "I am delighted that our next president and CEO have been chosen from within our own ranks once again. A+E Networks? culture has always been about rewarding success and encouraging innovation. Nancy is one of the most talented executives working in media today - a decisive leader, with her hallmark drive and determination. I am so proud of what Nancy, the management team and our employees have accomplished and I know they will take A+E Networks to new heights."

Dubuc said, "I am incredibly humbled by the opportunity to lead a company I love so much. I built my career here and I thank Anne and Steve for their confidence and trust. Abbe has been a great mentor and partner for over 10 years. She created a corporate culture at A+E Networks where creativity thrives and as a result we cultivated some of the most powerful global brands in media. The biggest lesson I learned from her is that a great leader is nothing without a great team.

"I would like to thank all my colleagues for their continued support as we write this next chapter together. We have a powerful portfolio of brands that are well-positioned for future growth, both domestically and internationally."

The portfolio of A+E Networks includes A&E Network, History, Lifetime, LMN and bio.