Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Major Leadership Changes Ahead of 2026 Separation
Company Names and Structure Revealed
In a significant press release dated July 28, 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD) unveiled the names and leadership appointments for its new corporate structure set to take effect with the company's separation in mid-2026. This strategic move is aimed at consolidating its diverse portfolio of media assets under two distinct entities: Warner Bros. and Discovery Global.
1. Warner Bros.: Honoring a Legacy
The newly branded Warner Bros. will encompass a wide array of iconic properties, including Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Bros. Gaming Studios. This rebranding pays homage to the company's rich history of storytelling that spans over a century. David Zaslav, the current President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will continue to lead the organization as President and CEO of Warner Bros.
Zaslav commented on the announcement, stating, "We will proudly continue the more than century-long legacy of Warner Bros. through our commitment to bringing culture-defining stories, characters, and entertainment to audiences around the world." He emphasized the company’s recent investments in profitable streaming ventures and a revitalization of its studios, positioning it for continued growth.
Warner Bros. Leadership Team
Alongside Zaslav, the leadership team at Warner Bros. will include:
- Pam Abdy - Co-Chair and CEO, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
- Priya Aiyar - Chief Legal Officer
- Casey Bloys - Chairman and CEO, HBO and HBO Max
- Bruce Campbell - Chief Operating Officer
- Mike De Luca - Co-Chair & CEO, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
- Channing Dungey - Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. TV Group
- Robert Gibbs - Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer
- James Gunn - Co-Chairman and CEO, DC Studios
- Lori Locke - Chief Accounting Officer
- JB Perrette - CEO & President of Streaming and Games
- Peter Safran - Co-Chairman and CEO, DC Studios
- Avi Saxena - Chief Technology Officer
2. Discovery Global: A New Era
The other half of the business, Discovery Global, will unify Warner Bros. Discovery's global television properties, including CNN, TNT Sports, and the Discovery+ streaming service. This division aims to leverage its network of premier entertainment, sports, and news channels to engage an audience of 1.1 billion unique viewers across 200 countries.
Discovery Global Leadership Team
At the helm of Discovery Global will be Gunnar Wiedenfels, the current CFO of Warner Bros. Discovery, who will serve as President and CEO. His leadership team includes:
- David Duvall - Chief Technology Officer
- Amy Girdwood - Chief People & Culture Officer
- Ryan Gould - President, US Ad Sales GTM
- Anil Jhingan - Chief Development Officer
- Kasia Kieli - President and MD, Poland and CEO, TVN
- Fernando Medin - President, International
- Scott Miller - President, Distribution
- Fulvia Nicoli - Executive Vice President, Content Strategy & Insights
- Brian Rauch - Chief Accounting Officer
- Luis Silberwasser - Chairman and CEO, TNT Sports
- Mark Thompson - Chairman and CEO, CNN Worldwide
- Sue Underwald - Chief Legal Officer
- Bobby Voltaggio - President, US Ad Sales Platform Monetization
- Fraser Woodford - Chief Financial Officer
- Gerhard Zeiler - President, US, UK & Germany, Discovery+ and Chief Content Officer
Wiedenfels expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming transition, noting the vast opportunities ahead with a robust portfolio of beloved brands and programming.
3. Strategic Hiring Initiatives
As part of this corporate restructuring, Warner Bros. has initiated searches for key positions, including Chief Financial Officer and Chief People & Culture Officer, while Discovery Global is seeking a Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer. This focus on leadership recruitment underscores the company’s commitment to building a team capable of steering the two entities toward a successful future.
4. Conclusion
With these strategic changes, Warner Bros. Discovery is poised to redefine its corporate identity and strengthen its market position in the ever-evolving media landscape. By separating into two distinct entities—each with its own leadership and strategic focus—the company aims to honor its storied legacy while embracing the future of entertainment and media. As the industry continues to shift towards streaming and digital content, these changes could very well position Warner Bros. Discovery for sustained growth and innovation in the years to come.
