A+E Networks® Names Toby Byrne to Succeed Peter Olsen as President, Ad Sales, Effective February 2025
A+E Networks® today announced the appointment of Toby Byrne (pictured at top) as President of Ad Sales, effective February 2025. Byrne will succeed Peter Olsen, who is retiring after 20 years of distinguished service that transformed A+E’s ad sales division. The announcement was made by Paul Buccieri, President and Chairman of A+E Networks, to whom Byrne will report.
Peter Olsen has been a pioneering leader in reshaping A+E Networks' ad sales strategy, leading the division through a shift toward data-driven, multiplatform advertising. His initiatives positioned A+E as the first network group to guarantee outcomes for partners and established new metrics, including InterAction and Performax, which help partners measure advertising impact. Olsen’s groundbreaking Total Audience Initiative further revolutionized ad metrics, setting an industry standard for audience measurement.
"Peter has been a brilliant and kind leader who has guided A+E Networks through its most transformative years," said Buccieri. "He has fostered a culture of innovation that has solidified A+E’s prominence in multiplatform advertising. Along the way Peter has cultivated a best-in-class Ad Sales team. Peter’s commitment to the industry and his relationships with key partners have set the stage for our continued success."
Byrne, who joined A+E Networks as Executive Vice President of Ad Sales in January 2024, will now oversee all ad sales operations across A+E’s portfolio, including The HISTORY Channel, A&E, Lifetime, and their digital platforms. His responsibilities will encompass strategic audience solutions and content partnerships.
“In less than a year, Toby’s impact has already strengthened A+E’s position as a marketplace innovator,” added Buccieri. “With his collaborative approach and dedication to impactful partnerships, Toby will continue driving success in our rapidly evolving industry. He brings a strong foundation to build on Peter's legacy as A+E Networks enters its next phase of growth and excellence."
With over three decades in the media and advertising business, Toby Byrne brings an impressive background to his new role. Prior to A+E Networks, Byrne held high-profile roles, most notably as President of Advertising Sales at Fox Networks Group, where he unified the advertising teams across Fox Broadcasting, Fox Sports, FX Networks, and National Geographic Channels, overseeing a team of 400+. During his tenure, he led strategies for ad sales in both entertainment and sports, helping launch major sports cable networks, including Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2, and overseeing ad sales for premier events such as the NFL, MLB, and FIFA Women's World Cup. Byrne’s expertise extends beyond traditional media; he served as President at Zefr, a global leader in brand suitability targeting and measurement on platforms like YouTube, Meta, and TikTok. He also provided strategic advisory services to startups and media companies, guiding them on sales, marketing, and business strategy.
Byrne holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in History from Georgetown University, where he graduated cum laude. Known for his leadership, strategic insight, and commitment to partnership excellence, he is well-regarded across the industry as a forward-thinking executive shaping the future of media advertising.
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