Head of Hallmark's media business leaves after 11 years, no reason given

• Bill Abbott, the head of Hallmark's media business, is leaving the company after 11 years.
• No reason was given for Abbott's departure and a replacement has yet to be named.
• In December, the Hallmark Channel's decision to pull an ad featuring a lesbian couple kissing led to an outcry online.

Zola ad of same-sex marriage.

Courtesy of Zola

The head of Hallmark's media business is leaving the company after 11 years.

No reason was given for Bill Abbott's departure, and no replacement was immediately named.

In a statement, Mike Perry, president and CEO of Hallmark Cards, said that with immense competition from TV networks and streaming services, it is important for the company to find "relevant new ways to grow our business."

Abbott was CEO of Crown Media Family Networks, a company controlled by Hallmark Cards. Crown Media's flagship cable channel is The Hallmark Channel, known for family-friendly programming, particularly made-for-TV Christmas-themed movies.

In December, the Hallmark Channel's decision to pull an ad featuring a lesbian couple kissing led to an outcry online. The company later reversed the decision.

Crown Media also operates the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Hallmark Drama networks, subscription streaming service Hallmark Movies Now and e-book publishing division Hallmark Publishing.