A&E Studios head Bob DeBitetto is exiting the company after 14 years, A&E Networks CEO Nancy Dubuc announced on Monday.
DeBitetto, who was appointed president of brand strategy, business development and A&E Studios in 2013, will stay on until the end of the year. No replacement has been announced.
“Bob has been a friend, partner and mentor to me over the course of his entire career at A&E,” Dubuc said in a statement. “He is widely respected in our industry and is often referred to as ‘the smartest guy in the room.’ So it is with great sadness that I am announcing his departure from A&E Networks.”
“This summer, Bob told me he had decided to pursue the next chapter in his storied career and I want to be the first to wish him the very best,” the statement continued.
Under DeBitetto’s leadership, the studio produced such series as Lifetime’s critically acclaimed drama “UnReal” and History’s Emmy-nominated “Roots.” Series currently in active development include History’s upcoming “Six” and “Knightfall.”
Prior to his role at the studio, DeBitetto served as president and general manager of A&E Network and BIO, where he led A&E’s renewed push back into original scripted drama series.