Warner Bros. Discovery reveals new company identities following the split and outlines top management groups
In a significant move, Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the names of its two separate entities: Warner Bros. (focused on streaming and studios) and Discovery Global (comprising TV networks, Discovery+, and other assets).
Warner Bros. Leadership
David Zaslav will continue as President and CEO of Warner Bros., with several key executives supporting him. Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca have been appointed Co-Chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group. Casey Bloys will serve as Chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max, while Channing Dungey will lead the Warner Bros. Television Group. James Gunn and Peter Safran have been named Co-Chairmen and CEOs of DC Studios. JB Perrette will oversee Streaming and Games, with Bruce Campbell as COO, Priya Aiyar as Chief Legal Officer, and Robert Gibbs as Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer. The company is currently searching for a Chief Financial Officer and Chief People & Culture Officer.
Discovery Global Leadership
Gunnar Wiedenfels, currently CFO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will head Discovery Global as President and CEO. Key executives include David Duvall as Chief Technology Officer, Amy Girdwood as Chief People and Culture Officer, and Fraser Woodford as Chief Financial Officer. Other senior roles include Kasia Kieli, President and MD, Poland and CEO of TVN; Fernando Medin, President, International; Mark Thompson, Chairman and CEO, CNN Worldwide; Gerhard Zeiler, President of U.S., UK & Germany Discovery+ and Chief Content Officer; and Luis Silberwasser, Chairman and CEO, TNT Sports. Sue Underwald serves as Chief Legal Officer, with several other executives covering ad sales, content strategy, development, and distribution.
Following the separation, Wiedenfels' pay package will be upped to reflect his expanded responsibilities as chief exec of Discovery Global. Fraser Woodford will become the CFO of Discovery Global after the split.
The creation of Warner Bros. and Discovery Global largely unwinds Discovery Communications' $43 billion acquisition of WarnerMedia from AT&T. Discovery Global's name was selected in recognition of its affinity and value worldwide in entertainment, news, and sports.
Warner Bros. will include Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros. Gaming Studios, and their film and TV libraries. Discovery Global will include WBD's entertainment, sports, and news TV brands worldwide, digital products like Discovery+, Bleacher Report (B/R), and free-to-air channels across Europe.
Gunnar Wiedenfels commented on the opportunities ahead for Discovery Global, while Fraser Woodford expressed excitement about his new role as CFO. The leadership alignment underscores Warner Bros.' focus on content creation and streaming, while Discovery Global will handle global networks and regional markets with a strong emphasis on news, sports, and international channels.
[1] WarnerMedia and Discovery Announce Leadership Structure for Two Separate Companies
[2] Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Leadership for New Streaming Company
[3] Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Leadership for Discovery Global
[4] Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Leadership Teams for Warner Bros. and Discovery Global
- The formation of Warner Bros. and Discovery Global indicates a focus on business and technology, as key executives have been appointed to lead these entities, with Gunnar Wiedenfels serving as President and CEO of Discovery Global and Fraser Woodford becoming its CFO.
- In the field of finance, the company is currently searching for a Chief Financial Officer for Warner Bros., while Gunnar Wiedenfels' pay package has been increased to reflect his expanded role as the head of Discovery Global. Additionally, Fraser Woodford will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer for Discovery Global.
