Former Fox Exec Toby Byrne Joins A+E Networks As EVP Amid Revamp Of Sales Team

Toby Byrne, who spent 20 years at Fox, has joined A+E Networks as EVP, National Ad Sales as part of a broader revamp of the cable programmer’s sales team.

Along with Byrne’s arrival. April Denn, Jeff Gocel, Lindsey Quinn and Rob Duke have been given the title of vice president. Of the four, only Duke had already been working at A+E, as a director of ad sales. Denn, Gocel and Quinn are coming to A+E from Samsung Ads, Amazon and Firework, respectively.

The realignment was announced Wednesday by Peter Olsen, President, Ad Sales, A+E Networks. “A+E Networks has been proud to be on the cutting edge of an evolving marketplace especially in terms of our customer service and practical innovation. With these great additions to our team, we are once again adjusting our company to meet industry trends,” Olsen said in a press release.

The staffing news comes during the lead-up to A+E’s virtual upfront presentation to media buyers on March 6.

Byrne concluded his Fox run by overseeing ad sales for Fox Networks Group. He then became president of Zefr, staying for six years at the tech company, which tracks advertising being delivered on digital platforms including YouTube and TikTok.

“I’m so pleased to bring to bear all the experiences I’ve had at both Zefr and Fox to A+E Networks,” Byrne said. “Under Peter’s leadership, A+E Networks has always enjoyed the reputation as being the best, most data and ad tech-forward – and highest-level white glove client service – in the entire media landscape. I’m especially excited to work with Peter and contribute to the great efforts and results of this team.”

A+E Networks is a joint venture of Hearst Corp. and Disney-ABC Television.