MUMBAI: According to reports, Hearst and The Walt Disney Company have announced that Paul Buccieri has been named as president of A+E Networks Group and will report to the network’s board of directors.
In his previous role, Buccieri was responsible for all aspects of A+E Studios and the A+E Networks brand portfolio. During his tenure, he bolstered the strength of the A+E Networks Portfolio Group, entrenching both A+E and History as top 10 networks, and charted a new strategic course for Lifetime.
The announcement was made by Hearst president and CEO Steven R Swartzand and Disney Media Networks co-chair and president of Disney|ABC Television Ben Sherwood.
In a joint statement, Swartz and Sherwood said, “Paul’s successful track record running A+E Studios and overseeing programming at the portfolio of brands, combined with his experience in worldwide production, distribution, syndication and digital, will further propel A+E Networks’ momentum. He’s a proven leader, strong collaborator and skilled programmer with an eye for identifying trends in the very competitive content marketplace. As we make this announcement, we also thank A+E Acting Chairman Abbe Raven for her leadership during the transition and her assistance in identifying Paul as the network’s next leader. Abbe will remain in her role at least through year-end.”
Buccieri added, “I want to sincerely thank our board members at Disney and Hearst for offering me this exceptional opportunity to lead A+E Networks during this transformative time in media. I could not be prouder of A+E’s powerful brands, strong partnerships and, most importantly, the talented people I get to work with every day. We look forward to expanding on our solid foundation of creativity.”
Buccieri joined A+E Networks in 2015 as president, A&E and History, overseeing all content creation, programming, brand development and marketing for A&E and History, and affiliated brands.
Previously, Buccieri served as chairman, ITV Studios US Group and ITV Studios Global Entertainment for ITV. He also led ITV’s international television distribution and consumer products business. Prior to joining ITV, Buccieri was president of programming, production and development at Fox Twentieth Television.
