A+E Networks reshuffles top management

A+E Networks is bolstering of its Corporate Development, Strategy and Investments division, as well as the aligning of its digital and international groups under one executive.Sean Cohan (pictured), who leads the A+E Networks International division, is also taking on oversight of digital media, and has been elevated to president, International and Digital Media.  Daniel Suratt, former head of digital media and business development, is taking on the new position and being promoted to president, corporate development, strategy and investments, A+E Networks.This transition becomes effective January 1, 2016.Suratt will report to David Granville-Smith, chief financial officer, A+E Networks and Cohan will continue report to Nancy Dubuc, president and CEO, A+E Networks.“Over the next five years, our growth will come from international and digital expansion, as well as revenue diversification.  By appointing Suratt and Cohan to these new roles and aligning our businesses and goals, A+E Networks is well positioned for future success,” said Dubuc.As president, International & Digital Media, Cohan assumes added responsibility for all strategic, operational, editorial and distribution functions around digital media globally. This includes broadband and mobile elements of all A+E Networks brands, including video content, apps, websites, and games.  He will continue to manage all of A+E Networks international brands, services, and staff outside of the US.Under Cohan’s stewardship, A+E Networks, has undergone growth abroad.  Under his direction, A+E  launched 54 channels and a raft of owned and co-owned entities; established presence and new businesses in India, Southeast Asia, France, German-speaking Europe, Scandinavia, Benelux, Central Europe, and Russia. He also initiated global rollouts of Lifetime, A&E, CI, and H2 brands.  Cohan also built up the content sales and formats in the organisation and drove co-productions such as World Wars and Miracle Rising: South Africa and local versions for Pawn Stars and Dance Moms.Meanwhile, Suratt in his new role will be responsible for A+E Networks corporate development, strategy and investments.Suratt was a member of the team that recently completed A+E Networks’ investments in VICE, Epic Magazine, Panna and Samba. With Suratt’s leadership, the Corporate Development team will continue to assess investment opportunities as well as set the investment strategies for the company overall.Under Suratt’s direction, his team has positioned A+E Networks as consistently moving the industry forward with initiatives on every platform such as first-to-market TV Everywhere apps, social and mobile games, apps featuring custom content, and seamless social media integrations. Most recently, Suratt oversaw the launch of the network’s first direct-to-consumer subscription service, Lifetime Movie Club, which grants subscribers access to a library of Lifetime movies without commercial interruptions.