Michael Riley will be the new president of ABC Family, Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney/ABC television group, announced on Monday.
Previously senior vice president and general manager at Radio Disney, Riley will be responsible for supervising ABC Family's original programming, franchise management, marketing, sales and operations.
He will also guide overall strategy at the channel.
Riley is replacing in for Paul Lee, who after seven years at Family took over as ABC entertainment president in July, following the departure of Steve McPherson.
Under Lee, ABC Family has grown its audience by 76 percent in total viewers and 2009 was the network's most-watched year ever. ABC Family is on pace to break that record again this year.
Sweeney expressed confidence that Riley could continue the nework's growth. “Michael’s talent and drive are eclipsed only by the enthusiasm and passion he brings to every opportunity. I’m confident his unique set of skills and experience will help us further ABC Family’s amazing momentum,” Sweeney said in a statement.
Riley said he was excited to take on the task of running ABC Family.
“I am extremely proud to have been part of a great team at Radio Disney and very much look forward to joining the incredibly passionate and inventive team at ABC Family. Their success over the past few years has been exceptional, driven by innovative storytelling, unique characters and iconic branding, and I’m honored to be given the opportunity to help build this amazing Millennial brand,” Riley said in a statement.
