Longtime AMC PR Head Marnie Black, Who Helped Turn ‘The Walking Dead’ and More Into Major Hits, Set to Depart After 13 Years (EXCLUSIVE)

Michael Schneider

17 June 2024 at 2:15 pm·3-min read

Longtime AMC PR head Marnie Black, whose tenure included overseeing consumer media relations, brand messaging, special events, talent relations and awards campaigns on hit series including “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul” and “The Walking Dead” universe, is departing the company after 13 years.

Black will exit at the end of the month to explore the next chapter of her career. Since first joining in 2011, Black’s domain has expanded to include brands including AMC/AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, SundanceTV, BBC America, HIDIVE, IFC Films, WEtv, IFC, Sundance Now and AllBlk.

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“Marnie has been a major PR figure in our industry for decades, and AMC is lucky to have had her in house for 13 years,” said AMC Entertainment and Studios prexy Dan McDermott in a statement. “Through ‘Mad Men,’ ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul,’ ‘The Walking Dead’ shows, ‘Dark Winds,’ the Anne Rice Universe and so many more iconic series, she’s been an extraordinary leader, a stellar colleague, and an amazing human being. Her loss will be deeply felt, and we wish her continued great success going forward.”

During Black’s tenure, the company has garnered dozens of awards and nominations including several Emmys for AMC’s “Mad Men” as best drama, as well as “Killing Eve,” the most nominated series in the history of BBC America. She also oversaw public relations for “The Walking Dead” as it turned into the highest-rated scripted show in cable history.

“With her savvy, hard work, and steady hand, Marnie helped make the ‘Walking Dead’ universe the force it is in television history and television today,” said Scott Gimple, who oversees “The Walking Dead” franchise. “She guided us to make the right moves to get this show in front of millions and make stars out of our talented casts. I am ever grateful to have been able to work with her.”

Producer Mark Johnson, who has worked with Black on multiple titles over the years (“Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul,” “Halt and Catch Fire,” “Rectify” and the Anne Rice Universe), also shared some parting thoughts.

“The success we have had with ‘Breaking Bad,’ ‘Better Call Saul,’ ‘Halt and Catch Fire,’ ‘Interview with the Vampire’ and ‘Mayfair Witches’ is directly attributable to Marnie Black, her PR team and her leadership,” Johnson said in a statement. “Marnie has been an inspiration, a force of nature, and a calming hand throughout the launch of all of these shows. It’s been a rare privilege to work with her team and her, and these shows all owe her deeply. She is a unique talent, and I will miss her.”

Also at AMC Networks, Black was former chair of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Content Taskforce, “dedicated to ensuring the company’s brands provide a platform for authentic storytelling, increased representation in front of and behind the camera and opportunities for new diverse and inclusive voices.”

Prior to AMC, Black ran her own company, MB Public Relations. She previously led the communications team at MTV for more than a decade. Her other credits include VP of publicity at Dan Klores Associates, as well as stints at Shandwick Public Relations, YM Magazine and Edelman Public Relations.

Below is a memo from Georgia Juvelis, AMC Networks’ Chief Communications Officer, announcing the news, followed by Black’s memo. Juvelis will continue to lead the PR department, with Olivia Dupuis and Joy Phillips remaining as her deputies upon Black’s departure.

Memo from Georgia Juvelis:

Hi All,

I’m writing to share that Marnie Black, our longtime Head of Publicity, will be stepping down from her role at the end of the month.

Marnie has made a significant contribution to the company’s success over more than a decade. A consummate professional, she’s been a trusted business partner and mentor to so many, leading a high-functioning and talented team that’s been at the heart of promoting and elevating some of the most successful and noteworthy shows and franchises in the history of television.

Below is a note Marnie sent to her team earlier today.

We’re grateful for Marnie’s time at AMC Networks and wish her nothing but the best as she moves on to pursue new opportunities.

-Georgia

Memo from Marnie Black:

Hello everyone,

After 13 memorable years, I have decided to depart from AMC Networks. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, leading the best teams in the business, and creating publicity and awards campaigns for iconic, groundbreaking shows like ‘Mad Men,’ ‘Breaking Bad,’ ‘The Walking Dead,’ ‘Killing Eve,’ ‘Better Call Saul,’ ‘Interview with the Vampire,’ ‘Dark Winds’ and ‘The Ones Who Live,’ to name only a few. We’ve won our share of Emmys along the way, impacted pop culture vernacular, and made television history on more than one occasion. I feel fortunate to have been a part of those meaningful, culture-defining moments.

I’ve worked alongside the smartest, most passionate, and fun people and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together. It has been a privilege to participate in AMC Networks’ evolution from its linear roots to what is now a powerful portfolio of streaming destinations. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to shape our brands, including AMC/AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, SundanceTV, BBC America, HIDIVE, IFC Films, WEtv, IFC, Sundance Now, and AllBlk, showcasing our company and our team’s creativity and resilience in navigating transformative times. I leave you in great hands with Olivia and Joy and I know you will all continue to do extraordinary work.

I will be with the company until the end of June to ensure a smooth transition. I hope to connect with many of you during this time. It’s been a privilege to work at such an amazing company alongside all of you. I look forward to remaining a viewer, subscriber, and fan from afar.

All my best,

Marnie

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