{{Short description|American business executive and Entrepreneur (born 1951)}} {{Use American English|date=May 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}} {{Infobox person | name = Susan Lyne | image = TechCrunch Disrupt NY 2016 - Day 3 (26352135984).jpg | caption = Susan Lyne in 2016 | birth_name = Susan M. Lyne | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1951|04|30}} | birth_place = Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | education = University of California, Berkeley<br/>(dropped out) | occupation = {{hlist|Businessperson|Media executive|Journalist|Entrepreneur}} | years_active = 1970s–present | known_for = Founder of BBG Ventures<br/>Founding editor of Premiere Magazine (US edition) | television = Lost<br/>The Bachelor<br/>Desperate Housewives<br/>Grey's Anatomy<br/>The Apprentice: Martha Stewart | title = {{collapsible list | titlestyle = font-style:italic; font-weight:normal; | title = {{If mobile||See {{tooltip|list|List of companies co-founded and the list of executive positions served as president or CEO}}}} | bullets = on | Executive Vice President of The Walt Disney Company (1996–2002) | President of ABC Entertainment (2002–2004) | President and CEO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (2004–2008) | Chairperson and CEO of Gilt Groupe (2008–2013) | Executive Vice President and CEO of the AOL Brand Group (2013–2014) | Managing Partner and Founder of BBG Ventures (2014–present) }} | boards = Gopro<br/>Blade Air Mobility | spouse = {{marriage|George Crile|1984|2006|end=died}} | children = 2 | awards = Advertising Age Award<br/>Matrix Award }}
'''Susan Lyne''' (born April 30, 1951) is an American media executive and entrepreneur. She is the co-founder and Managing Partner of BBG Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies. Over the course of her career, she has held several senior leadership positions in various companies. She has served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, the fashion e-commerce platform Gilt Groupe, and the AOL Brand Group. In addition, she has held the position of President at ABC Entertainment, where she oversaw the development of prime-time programming. She also served as Executive Vice President at both The Walt Disney Company and AOL.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2014-09-02 |title=Susan Lyne Steps Down as AOL Brand Chief to Head Company's New Venture Fund |url=https://variety.com/2014/digital/exec-shuffle-people-news/susan-lyne-steps-down-as-aol-brand-chief-to-head-companys-new-venture-fund-1201296279/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Susan Lyne |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/susan-lyne/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Susan Lyne {{!}} Producer |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1968660/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref>
She has served as a director on the boards of several public and private companies. Currently she serves as an independent director at GoPro, a role she has held since 2017,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-25 |title=GoPro Names Susan Lyne to Board (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/gopro-names-susan-lyne-board-exclusive-200003766.html |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2017-04-25 |title=GoPro Names Susan Lyne to Board (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/gopro-susan-lyne-board-1202395042/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> and is also a board member of Blade Air Mobility, a technology-powered air mobility platform. Previously she held director board positions with Gilt Groupe, AOL, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Starz, and CIT Group.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bloomberg Profile |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/2276889 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Bloomberg}}</ref>
==Early life and education== Susan Lyne was born on April 30, 1951, and raised near Boston, Massachusetts. She was the eldest of five children, and raised in a conservative Irish Catholic family. Lyne attended an all-girls school for her early education.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Susan LYNE personal appointments - Find and update company information - GOV.UK |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/raQHxxVtnslbrCcqwsCd5EAkScg/appointments |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=pulse |date=2018-01-05 |title=How former Gilt Groupe CEO Susan Lyne took down Patty Hearst, took over Martha Stewart's empire while she was in prison, and now empowers female entrepreneurs |url=https://africa.businessinsider.com/strategy/strategy-how-former-gilt-groupe-ceo-susan-lyne-took-down-patty-hearst-took-over/4pqfcxf |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Business Insider Africa |language=en}}</ref>
She went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley, but left before graduating.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-12-21 |title=Q&A with Susan Lyne |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/postlive/qanda-with-susan-lyne/2012/12/21/135e785c-4bb2-11e2-b709-667035ff9029_story.html |access-date=2025-05-01 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-01-05 |title=How former Gilt Groupe CEO Susan Lyne took down Patty Hearst |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/former-gilt-groupe-ceo-susan-172411154.html |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Yahoo}}</ref>
==Career== Susan Lyne began her career in publishing with editorial roles at The Village Voice and New Times. In 1987, she founded Premiere, a magazine focused on the movie industry, where she served as editor in chief for many years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Learmonth |first=Pamela McClintock,Michael |date=2004-11-11 |title=Ex-ABC exec Lyne lines up Martha gig |url=https://variety.com/2004/scene/markets-festivals/ex-abc-exec-lyne-lines-up-martha-gig-1117913408/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> In January 1996, Lyne joined The Walt Disney Company as Executive Vice President of Acquisitions, Development, and New Business for Walt Disney Pictures and Television, a position in which she established the studio’s East Coast office.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-01-21 |title=Susan Lyne: Adjusting the Picture at ABC |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2002-01-21/susan-lyne-adjusting-the-picture-at-abc |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Bloomberg}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Carmody |first=Deirdre |date=1996-01-03 |title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS;Film Magazine Editor to Lead Disney's Development Efforts |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/03/business/the-media-business-film-magazine-editor-to-lead-disney-s-development-efforts.html |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Two years later, in March 1998, she transitioned to ABC Entertainment as Executive Vice President of Movies and Miniseries.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Street Journal |first=Bruce OrwallStaff Reporter of The Wall |date=2002-01-08 |title=Disney Shake-Up Leaves Lyne in Charge Of Lifting ABC Out of Ratings Doldrums |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1010458202482894280 |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> She was later appointed President of ABC Entertainment in January 2002, where she oversaw the development of popular series like Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Martha Stewart names Susan Lyne new CEO - Nov. 11, 2004 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2004/11/11/news/newsmakers/mso_ceo/index.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041113064714/http://money.cnn.com/2004/11/11/news/newsmakers/mso_ceo/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 13, 2004 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=money.cnn.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-11-20 |title=Susan Lyne |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/postlive/susan-lyne/2012/11/20/e289257a-332d-11e2-9cfa-e41bac906cc9_story.html |access-date=2025-04-30 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
In 2004, Lyne became the President and Chief Executive Officer of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO), a role she took on during a period of uncertainty for the company, due to the conviction of its founder Martha Stewart, for an insider trading incident.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Task |first=Aaron |title=From The Bachelor to #BuiltbyGirls: The Many Lives of Susan Lyne |url=https://fortune.com/2016/09/12/susan-lyne-fortune-unfiltered-builtbygirls/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Fortune |language=en}}</ref> She focused on stabilizing operations and diversifying its business model.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-06-11 |title=Martha Stewart CEO Lyne steps down |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25095577 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-06-12 |title=Martha Stewart Living CEO Lyne steps down |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/martha-stewart-living-ceo-lyne-steps-down-idUSN11443883/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Reuters}}</ref> After leaving MSLO in 2008, Lyne took on the role of Chairperson and CEO at Gilt Groupe, an online retailer of fashion and lifestyle products. During her time at Gilt Groupe, the company expanded its membership base and navigated economic challenges.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lunden |first=Ingrid |date=2013-02-28 |title=Aol Confirms Susan Lyne As CEO Of Brand Group, Artie Minson Out As COO Role Goes (Memo) |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/28/aol-confirms-susan-lyne-as-ceo-of-brand-group-artie-minson-out-as-coo-role-restructured-memo/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sellers |first=Patricia |title=How AOL got its new brand chief |url=https://fortune.com/2013/03/04/how-aol-got-its-new-brand-chief/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Fortune |language=en}}</ref>
In 2013, Lyne was appointed CEO of AOL's Brand Group, where she managed various content brands, including TechCrunch and Engadget.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-02-28 |title=AOL taps Lyne to serve as CEO of its Brand Group |url=https://apnews.com/aol-taps-lyne-to-serve-as-ceo-of-its-brand-group-73245db35159499f908a50498a5755bb |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=A. O. L. Staff |date=2016-07-15 |title=AOL Appoints Susan Lyne as CEO of Its Brand Group |url=https://www.aol.com/2013/02/28/aol-appoints-susan-lyne-as-ceo-of-its-brand-group/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=www.aol.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The following year, she shifted her focus to venture capital by founding BBG Ventures, which primarily invests in early-stage companies led by women.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-19 |title=The Woman Behind New York's Hottest Female-Led Startups: Q&A With Susan Lyne of BBG Ventures |url=https://observer.com/2019/10/bbg-ventures-susan-lyne-female-led-startups-interview/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Observer |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Swisher |first=Kara |date=2014-09-02 |title=AOL's Brand CEO Susan Lyne Stepping Down to Run Women-Focused Fund for Company |url=https://www.vox.com/2014/9/2/11630438/aols-brand-ceo-susan-lyne-stepping-down-to-run-women-focused-fund-for |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Vox |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2024, BBG Ventures announced a $60 million fund, expanding its focus to include a broader range of underrepresented entrepreneurs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-30 |title=BBG Ventures Announces $60 Million Fund II and Unveils New Research: Investing in the Polycultural Future of America |url=https://www.reuters.com/press-releases/bbg-ventures-announces-60-million-fund-ii-and-unveils-new-research-investing-in-the-polycultural-future-of-america-2024-10-30/#:~:text=About%20BBG%20Ventures,and%20connect%20on%20BBG%20Ventures. |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> Lyne has also served on the boards of several companies, including GoPro and Blade Air Mobility.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Dominic-Madori |date=2024-10-31 |title=BBG Ventures raises new $60M fund to support diverse founders |url=https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/31/bbg-ventures-raises-new-60-million-fund-to-support-diverse-founders/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rao |first=Leena |title=BBG Ventures raises $60 million for its latest fund and moves beyond just backing female founders |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/bbg-ventures-new-fund-female-founders-and-diverse-entrepreneurs-2024-10 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Personal life== Susan Lyne was married to George Crile, a former producer for ''60 Minutes''. The couple has two daughters, Susan and Jane. Lyne has also been involved in philanthropic work, particularly in areas related to women’s empowerment and education.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Feloni |first=Richard |title=The former Gilt Groupe CEO has let the same guiding principle take her from developing 'The Bachelor' to running Martha Stewart's empire to challenging Silicon Valley |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/susan-lyne-guiding-career-principle-2018-1 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Holley |first=Joe |date=2006-05-16 |title=George Crile III; Journalist Alleged Vietnam War Lies |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2006/05/16/george-crile-iii/144e92fd-fafa-4091-a0ab-bd7cfa55f9be/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pace |first=Gina |date=2006-05-15 |title=CBS Journalist George Crile Dies At 61 - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cbs-journalist-george-crile-dies-at-61/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Board and affiliations== Susan Lyne has served on the boards of multiple companies. Her board memberships include: * GoPro – Board Director since 2017 to present.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GPRO.O - {{!}} Stock Price & Latest News |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/companies/GPRO.O |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405051746/https://www.reuters.com/markets/companies/GPRO.O/ |archive-date=2023-04-05 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=www.reuters.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Corporate Governance - Board of Directors - Person Details {{!}} GoPro Inc. |url=https://investor.gopro.com/corporate-governance/board-of-directors/person-details/default.aspx?ItemId=15dcb7c4-ae92-4cd1-82e9-6f5115e272c3 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=investor.gopro.com}}</ref> * Blade Air Mobility – Joined the board in 2021 and serves as Director and Chair of the Compensation to present.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blade Air Mobility Inc |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/companies/BLDE.DG/profile |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Board Committees |url=https://ir.blade.com/corporate-governance/board-committees |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Blade Air Mobility, Inc. |language=en}}</ref> * Gilt Groupe – Board director from 2008-2013<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-12-06 |title=Gilt Chairman Susan Lyne shares upside to failure |website=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/gilt-chairman-susan-lyne-shares-upside-to-failure-idUSTRE7B504W/ |access-date=2025-05-01}}</ref> * AOL – Board director from 2009-2013 .<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-02-28 |title=AOL picks Susan Lyne to head up its brands, including TechCrunch |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/aol-picks-susan-lyne-to-head-up-its-brands-including-techcrunch-idUSBRE91R0SP/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Reuters}}</ref> * Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia – Board director from 2004 to 2008, concurrent with her role as President and CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Susan Lyne set to head MSO |url=https://www.ft.com/content/bcf4b2aa-342d-11d9-a728-00000e2511c8 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=www.ft.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Martha Stewart chief quits |url=https://www.ft.com/content/2d23e02a-3801-11dd-aabb-0000779fd2ac |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=www.ft.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> * Starz – Board director from 2013-2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bloomberg Profile |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/2276889 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Bloomberg}}</ref> * Member of The Council on Foreign Relations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Council on Foreign Relations |url=https://www.cfr.org/membership/roster |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=www.cfr.org |language=en}}</ref> * Member of Chancellor’s Council, UC Berkeley.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chancellor's Councils |url=https://inspire.berkeley.edu/get-to-know-us/leadership/chancellors-councils/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=inspire.berkeley.edu |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, she served as a trustee for Rockefeller University and The New School, and previously held trustee positions with The Posse Foundation and The Public Theater.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-11-20 |title=Susan Lyne |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/postlive/susan-lyne/2012/11/20/e289257a-332d-11e2-9cfa-e41bac906cc9_story.html |access-date=2025-04-30 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
==Honours and Recognition== She has been recognized for her contributions to the tech and communications industries over the course of her career. She was named Ad Age's Publishing Executive of the Year and received the Matrix Award from New York Women in Communications.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-11-20 |title=Susan Lyne |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/postlive/susan-lyne/2012/11/20/e289257a-332d-11e2-9cfa-e41bac906cc9_story.html |access-date=2025-04-30 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> In 2019, she was listed among Crain's Notable Women in Tech and recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Influential Women in Tech.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-03-10 |title=THE MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY 2010 – Susan Lyne |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3017112/the-most-influential-women-in-technology-2010-susan-lyne |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529074225/https://www.fastcompany.com/3017112/the-most-influential-women-in-technology-2010-susan-lyne |archive-date=2022-05-29 |access-date=2025-04-30 |work=Fast Company |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-01 |title=Notable Women in Tech 2019: Susan Lyne |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/awards/notable-women-tech-2019-susan-lyne |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Crain's New York Business |language=en}}</ref> In 2021, she was included in Forbes inaugural 50 Over 50.<ref>{{Cite web |title=50 Over 50 2021 |url=https://www.forbes.com/50over50/2021/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Forbes |language=English}}</ref>
==See also== * Martha Stewart * George Crile
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Presidents of American Broadcasting Company Entertainment|status=collapsed}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lyne, Susan}} Category:1951 births Category:Living people Category:20th-century American businesspeople Category:20th-century American journalists Category:20th-century American women journalists Category:21st-century American businesspeople Category:21st-century American journalists Category:21st-century American women journalists Category:American chairpersons of corporations Category:American chief executives in technology Category:American venture capitalists Category:American chief executives in the mass media industry Category:American magazine editors Category:American magazine founders Category:American magazine publishers (people) Category:American media executives Category:American chief executives in retailing Category:American women chief executives Category:American women corporate directors Category:Women in publishing Category:American women magazine editors Category:20th-century American businesswomen Category:21st-century American businesswomen Category:Presidents of American Broadcasting Company Entertainment