Warner Bros.: Discovery has officially announced that it has determined the names and executive leadership teams of the two new public companies that will be formed following the company split. The split is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
The new companies will be Warner Bros. (streaming and studios) and Discovery Global (TV networks, Discovery+ and other digital properties).
Warner Bros.: The Future of Streaming and the Studio
The “Warner Bros.” company after the split will include:
- Warner Bros. Television
- Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
- DC Studios
- HBO and HBO Max
- Warner Bros. Gaming Studios
- as well as the company’s entire film and TV library
The name is chosen in honor of “a 100-year legacy of storytelling.”
Discovery Global: Global network operations
The company, called “Discovery Global”, will include:
- CNN, Discovery, TNT Sports (US)
- Free-to-air channels (in Europe)
- Digital platforms such as Discovery+ and Bleacher Report
According to WBD, the name has been chosen with “global brand value and recognition” in mind.
Leadership team announced
David Zaslav, who is currently the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will become the chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. after the split.
Gunnar Wiedenfels, who is currently the company’s CFO, will become the new CEO and president of Discovery Global.
The acquisition of WarnerMedia by AT&T and now the split caps the nearly $43 billion deal that was completed in April 2022. Turner networks such as CNN, TBS, TNT will now be part of Discovery Global.
According to the company, Zaslav’s annual salary will be “significantly reduced” following the split, while Wiedenfels’ salary will be increased in line with the responsibilities of his new position.
Fraser Woodford, currently executive vice president (treasury, investments and real estate), will become Discovery Global’s chief financial officer (CFO) following the split.
Warner Bros. is currently looking for a chief financial officer and head of human resources, while Discovery Global plans to hire a chief communications and public relations officer.
Statement by David Zaslav
“We are committed to building on Warner Bros.’ 100-year legacy. Over the years, we have not only invested in a global streaming service, but also grown our studio to a leading position.”
Warner Bros. Discovery Global’s executive team will include:
- Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca – Co-Presidents and CEOs, Motion Picture Group
- JB Perrette – CEO, Streaming and Games
- Casey Bloys – CEO, HBO and HBO Max
- James Gunn and Peter Safran – Co-Presidents and CEOs, DC Studios
- Bruce Campbell – COO
- Channing Dungey – CEO, Warner Bros. TV Group
- Priya Iyer – Chief Legal Officer
- Robert Gibbs – Chief Communications Officer
- Lori Lock – Chief Accounting Officer
- Avi Saxena – CTO
Discovery Global’s executive team will include
- Gerhard Zeiler – President, U.S., U.K. and Germany
- Fraser Woodford – CFO
- David Duvall – CTO
- Amy Girdwood – Chief People & Culture Officer
- Ryan Gould – President, U.S. Ad Sales
- Anil Jhingan – Chief Growth Officer
- Kasia Kiely – President of Poland and CEO of TVN
- Fernando Medin – International President
- Scott Miller – President of Distribution
- Fulvia Nicoli – Executive Vice President, Content Strategy
- Brian Rauch – Chief Accounting Officer
- Louis Silberwasser – President and CEO of TNT Sports
- Mark Thompson – President and CEO of CNN Worldwide
- Sue Underwald – Chief Legal Officer
- Bobby Voltaggio – President of U.S. Ad Sales Monetization
Statement by Gunnar Wiedenfels
“We are extremely excited about the launch of Discovery Global. We have world-class brands, content for everyone from kids to families, and now a strong leadership team capable of delivering great content to a global audience.”
