Warner Bros. Discovery has officially outlined the next phase of its corporate restructuring, unveiling the names of its two new standalone companies and introducing the leadership teams that will guide each entity into the future.
The company is moving forward with its planned separation of business units, dividing operations into two distinct organizations: Warner Bros. and Discovery Global. The realignment, first proposed last year and made official in June 2024, is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
The newly established Warner Bros. will serve as the home for the company's iconic entertainment and storytelling brands, including Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Bros. Gaming Studios. It will also manage WBD's vast film and TV libraries. The name, WBD says, is meant to "honor the legacy of more than a century of industry-defining storytelling."
Meanwhile, Discovery Global will encompass the company's network-focused and international offerings. That includes CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., the Discovery Channel, free-to-air networks across Europe, the Discovery+ streaming platform, and Bleacher Report. The goal, according to the company, is to increase strategic flexibility, particularly as the traditional linear television business continues to decline.
WBD CEO David Zaslav will continue as CEO of the new Warner Bros., while current WBD CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels will take the reins as CEO of Discovery Global. Their respective leadership teams have also been named, with many internal executives transitioning into similar-but sometimes updated-roles.
Warner Bros. leadership team will be comprised of Bruce Campbell, who will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer, transitioning from his current title of Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer; Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca, who will serve as Co-Chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group;
James Gunn and Peter Safran, who will remain as Co-Chairmen and CEOs of DC Studios; Casey Bloys, currently leading HBO and Max Content, who will retain his role as Chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max; Channing Dungey continues as Chair and CEO of Warner Bros. TV Group; JB Perrette becomes President and CEO of Streaming and Games, with Avi Saxena as Chief Technology Officer, reporting to him; and Robert Gibbs, who will serve as Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer.
Warner Bros. has also launched searches for a Chief Financial Officer and Chief People & Culture Officer, positions that remain unfilled for now.
Discovery Global leadership team will include Luis Silberwasser, who has been named Chairman and CEO of TNT Sports; Mark Thompson, who will remain Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide; Gerhard Zeiler, currently President of International, who will assume the title of President, U.S., U.K. & Germany, Discovery+ and Chief Content Officer; Fernando Medin, who will step up as President, International, taking over from his current role overseeing Latin America and U.S. Hispanic operations; Scott Miller, who will be President of Distribution; Bobby Voltaggio, who becomes President, U.S. Ad Sales Platform Monetization; Ryan Gould, who is named President, U.S. Ad Sales GTM; and Fulvia Nicoli, who will serve as Executive Vice President, Content Strategy & Insights.
These executives will report directly to Zeiler in their respective divisions.
Additional senior appointments include Sue Underwald as Chief Legal Officer, Fraser Woodford as Chief Financial Officer, David Duvall as Chief Technology Officer, Amy Girdwood as Chief People & Culture Officer, Anil Jhingan as Chief Development Officer, Kasia Kieli as President and Managing Director, Poland, and CEO of TVN.
Discovery Global is still in the process of hiring a Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer.
In a statement, Zaslav emphasized the cultural legacy and growth potential of the new Warner Bros.:
"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. Over the past several years, we have made important strides across the business, launching and investing in a profitable, global streaming service and reinvigorating our studios to return them again to an industry-leading position. With our unmatched portfolio of storytelling IP, our incredible creative partners, and now an executive team of proven, bold, and committed creative and corporate leaders, we are in a strong position to launch and continue to meaningfully grow a company worthy of our storied past."
Wiedenfels echoed this optimism for Discovery Global's path ahead:
"As we prepare for the launch of Discovery Global, our enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead only grows thanks to our leading portfolio of beloved brands and programming, our worldwide footprint for adults, kids, and families, and now the experienced and talented leadership team who will ensure strong operational execution to drive strategic investments and deliver compelling content to global audiences."
The full separation is on track to close by mid-2026.
Tags: warner bros., discover