After 20 years at A+E Networks, Peter Olsen will retire as president of ad sales at the end of January. Toby Byrne will succeed Olsen, reporting to Paul Buccieri, the media company’s president and chairman.
Media
A+E Networks ad chief to retire
Toby Byrne, hired in January after a decades-long tenure at Fox, to replace Olsen
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Toby Byrne, left, executive VP of ad sales, will replace Peter Olsen as president of ad sales for A+E Networks in February 2025
Credit:
A+E Networks
Olsen has led A+E’s ad force throughout TV’s digital transformation, a particular challenge for cable TV networks as viewership declines in traditional distribution. A+E, the owner of channels including A&E, History and Lifetime, is one of few media companies that hasn’t launched an owned streamer. Olsen’s team was an early adopter for guaranteeing TV deals on business outcomes rather than traditional demos, which has since become a major push across all major media companies.
“Peter has been a brilliant and kind leader who has guided A+E Networks through its most transformative years,” said Buccieri in a statement. “He has fostered a culture of innovation that has solidified A+E’s prominence in multi-platform advertising … Peter’s commitment to the industry and his relationships with key partners have set the stage for our continued success.”
Olsen’s successor Byrne joined A+E in January as executive VP of ad sales. Byrne spent 20 years at Fox, including as its ad chief for more than half a decade. Byrne left Fox in 2016, later joining Zefr, an ad tech company built to juggle the fragmented digital advertising landscape, where he spent six years as president.
Byrne will oversee sales for all of A+E’s portfolio, including content partnerships and innovation in advanced data solutions.
“Toby’s impact has already strengthened A+E’s position as a marketplace innovator,” Buccieri said. “With his collaborative approach and dedication to impactful partnerships, Toby will continue driving success in our rapidly evolving industry.”
“January will mark my 20-year anniversary at this amazing company and I have decided that it is the right time to retire from full-time work and support a new era of leadership,” Olsen wrote in an internal memo to staff.
“Earlier this year, Toby brought his talent and experience to this company and has already made a strong impact in his time with us. … I am confident that Toby’s leadership, vision, and dedication will guide A+E’s ad sales team into the future.”
