Longtime Fox Television Group CEO Gary Newman will be exiting the company. AMC executive Charlie Collier is set to replace him. Lachlan Murdoch, head of Fox, released a company-wide memo this week announcing the change.
Newman has worked at Fox for decades, helping to build the studio into the industry leader it is today. The exit is somewhat of a surprise, even with the pending 20th Century Fox-Disney deal. As part of the deal, Newman had long been expected to negotiate a leadership role in New Fox, the name given to the assets not being bought by Disney. However, the move makes sense considering Collier’s experience in the industry.
Collier has served as President of AMC of the last few years. He is credited with building the network into the ratings giant it is today programming flagship programs such as The Walking Dead, Mad Men, and Breaking Bad.
Murdoch released a statement regarding the leadership shift. “Charlie is a singular talent, combining creative success with operational expertise to lead the AMC Network with some of television’s most memorable programming. Charlie’s skills and experience will help Fox continue to transform the broadcast television business.”
“I am incredibly gratified by the accomplishments, relationships, and legacy we created during my time with the Fox family. Charlie is a longtime friend and colleague and he will be inheriting a team of passionate and incredibly talented executives. This accelerated transition allows me to pursue new opportunities on my own timeline with the comfort I am leaving the network in capable hands,” Newman said in his own statement.
No timeline has been announced on when exactly Collier will take over but it will likely coincide with the closure of the Fox-Disney deal.
