Susan Lyne (born April 30, 1951) is an American media executive and entrepreneur. She is the co-founder and Managing Partner ofBBG 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) ofMartha Stewart Living Omnimedia, the fashion e-commerce platformGilt Groupe, and theAOL Brand Group. In addition, she has held the position of President atABC Entertainment, where she oversaw the development of prime-time programming. She also served as Executive Vice President at bothThe Walt Disney Company andAOL.[1][2][3]
She has served as a director on the boards of several public and private companies. Currently she serves as an independent director atGoPro, a role she has held since 2017,[4][5] and is also a board member ofBlade Air Mobility, a technology-powered air mobility platform. Previously she held director board positions with Gilt Groupe, AOL, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia,Starz, andCIT Group.[6]
Susan Lyne was born on April 30, 1951, and raised nearBoston, 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.[7][8]
Susan Lyne began her career in publishing with editorial roles atThe Village Voice andNew Times. In 1987, she foundedPremiere, a magazine focused on the movie industry, where she served as editor in chief for many years.[11] In January 1996, Lyne joinedThe 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.[12][13] Two years later, in March 1998, she transitioned toABC Entertainment as Executive Vice President of Movies and Miniseries.[14] She was later appointed President of ABC Entertainment in January 2002, where she oversaw the development of popular series likeGrey's Anatomy andDesperate Housewives.[15][16]
In 2004, Lyne became the President and Chief Executive Officer ofMartha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO), a role she took on during a period of uncertainty for the company, due to the conviction of its founderMartha Stewart, for an insider trading incident.[17] She focused on stabilizing operations and diversifying its business model.[18][19] After leaving MSLO in 2008, Lyne took on the role of Chairperson and CEO atGilt 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.[20][21]
In 2013, Lyne was appointed CEO ofAOL's Brand Group, where she managed various content brands, including TechCrunch and Engadget.[22][23] The following year, she shifted her focus to venture capital by founding BBG Ventures, which primarily invests in early-stage companies led by women.[24][25] In 2024, BBG Ventures announced a $60 million fund, expanding its focus to include a broader range of underrepresented entrepreneurs.[26] Lyne has also served on the boards of several companies, including GoPro and Blade Air Mobility.[27][28]
Susan Lyne was married toGeorge Crile, a former producer for60 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.[29][30][31]
She has been recognized for her contributions to the tech and communications industries over the course of her career. She was namedAd Age's Publishing Executive of the Year and received theMatrix Award from New York Women in Communications.[44] In 2019, she was listed amongCrain's Notable Women in Tech and recognized byFast Company as one of the Most Influential Women in Tech.[45][46] In 2021, she was included in Forbes inaugural 50 Over 50.[47]
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