AMC Networks Taps Peacock, Hulu Vet Annie Luo to Drive Streaming-First Future

AMC Networks has hired former Peacock and Hulu executive Annie Luo as its first President of Streaming Growth, a new role created to accelerate the company's pivot away from legacy cable and toward its niche streaming services.

• A proven playbook: Luo's last role was at Peacock, where as EVP of global partnerships she was responsible for growing the service via major deals. Her resume also includes a senior role at Hulu leading business development and strategy.

• Follow the money: The hire comes just after AMC's streaming revenue ($174 million) officially surpassed its income from traditional cable fees ($142 million) for the first time in its latest quarterly report. In a statement, CCO Kim Kelleher noted, "As streaming becomes our largest source of domestic revenue... Annie’s depth of experience will be instrumental."

• Serving the fandoms: The appointment cements the network's strategy of super-serving its "passionate fandoms" with targeted apps like Shudder and Acorn TV. The company currently counts just over 10 million subscribers across its streaming portfolio.

AMC is betting that a focused streaming playbook, led by an experienced executive, can build a sustainable future even as its legacy business declines. The company added 200,000 subscribers in its most recent quarter, and Luo's transition comes after she officially departed from Peacock in September.