Michael Riley named ABC Family president

ABC Family has found its new president.

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Former Turner and Radio Disney executive Michael Riley has been named to the top programming spot.

He replaces Paul Lee, who left the post to become ABC's entertainment president last month.

"Michael's talent and drive are eclipsed only by the enthusiasm and passion he brings to every opportunity," said Anne Sweeney, president of Disney-ABC TV Group. "I'm confident his unique set of skills and experience will help us further ABC Family's amazing momentum."

The under-the-radar candidate previously served as senior vp and general manager at Radio Disney, where he oversaw the division's management and 36 radio stations. He's credited with setting record ratings during his two-year tenure with the company.

Before that, Riley was senior vp and general manager for Turner Broadcasting in several international territories. He developed strategies for CNN, Cartoon Network, TNT, Adult Swim, Boomerang and TCM in Germany, Northern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

"I am extremely proud to have been part of a great team at Radio Disney and very much look forward to joining the incredibly passionate and inventive team at ABC Family," Riley said. "Their success over the past few years has been exceptional, driven by innovative storytelling, unique characters and iconic branding, and I'm honored to be given the opportunity to help build this amazing Millennial brand."

Earlier in his career, Riley was a strategy consultant with the advertising company WPP Group in London and New York. According to ABC's release, he's fluent in French and was born in British Columbia.