A+E Studios president exiting

Bob DeBitetto is leaving A+E Networks after 14 years with the Disney- and Hearst Corp.-owned broadcast group.

A+E CEO Nancy Dubuc revealed the news in an internal memo in which she said that while a channel chief DeBitetto had led the A&E cable network “to an impressive ten-year ratings growth streak” and added he has “had a hand in creating some of our biggest franchises”.

DeBitetto joined A+E in 2003 as senior VP, programming and rose through the business, leading the network to commission ratings-driving shows such as Duck Dynasty and Bates Motel. He also founded the A&E IndieFilms unit.

DeBitetto has been part of A+E production arm since 2013, initially joining to build A+E Studios. Most recently, he was A+E president, brand strategy and business development, and of A+E Studios.

Before A+E, she worked at Turner Broadcasting, and also had a spell with A+E co-owned Disney.

He will leave by the end of the year, though his next role in unknown.

“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,” said Dubuc in her note.

“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.”

An announcement on his successor at A+E would follow “shortly”, she added.