Shane Smith has been with Vice Media from the beginning — but Vice may be preparing for life without Smith.
Smith, the brash co-founder of the milennial-centric media company, could soon step aside as Vice’s CEO, according to multiple media reports. He would likely be replaced by outgoing A+E Networks CEO Nancy Dubuc.
Vice did not respond to multiple requests for comment, but A+E’s co-owners, Hearst and The Wall Disney Company, confirmed Dubuc’s departure in a press release on Monday.
In a statement, Dubuc spoke glowingly of her time at A+E, where she spent almost 20 years. But there was no mention of a new role at Vice.
“Every step of my career, I have had the opportunity to learn and grow from some of the most inspiring and innovative minds at A+E and in both the creative and business community,” Dubuc said. I could not be prouder of what we achieved together.”
Dubuc will be replaced on an interim basis at A+E by Abbe Raven, herself a former CEO of A+E Networks.