Cable maven Nancy Dubuc is taking charge of A&E Networks.
The owner of A&E, History Channel and Lifetime named Dubuc president and CEO yesterday. Starting in June, she will succeed Abbe Raven, who is staying on in the newly created role of chairman.
A 10-year veteran of A&E, Dubuc — who was just promoted to president of entertainment and media at A&E Networks in September — is credited with transforming History Channel and leading a turnaround at flagship A&E.
Under her watch, History dumped the World War II documentaries that earned it the derisive moniker “The Hitler Channel” in favor of reality shows like “Pawn Stars.”
The channel has also had success with blockbuster miniseries like “The Bible.”
The company, backed by Disney/ABC and Hearst, sealed a new deal with Dubuc soon after History’s “Hatfields & McCoys” broke cable records.
A&E has also been on the upswing with shows including “Duck Dynasty.”
Dubuc’s three-year deal comes as a relief to staffers, as she had been eyed by rivals, according to insiders.