Warner Bros. Discovery Reveals New Names, Leadership Post-Split: See Who’s Who at the Top!

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the new corporate structures and top executive teams for its upcoming division into two distinct companies, anticipated to be finalized by mid-2026. The companies, which will both be publicly traded, are set to be named Warner Bros. (focusing on streaming and studio operations) and Discovery Global (encompassing TV networks, the Discovery+ streaming service, and additional assets).

The entity known as “Streaming & Studios,” which will include Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Bros. Gaming Studios, along with their respective film and TV libraries, will operate under the name “Warner Bros.” This name choice reflects WBD’s intent to honor a historic legacy in pioneering entertainment and storytelling that spans over a hundred years.

The division titled “Global Networks” will consist of WBD’s global portfolio of entertainment, sports, and news TV brands, including CNN, the Discovery channels, TNT Sports in the U.S., and various free-to-air channels across Europe. It will also include digital ventures like Discovery+ and Bleacher Report (B/R), and will be known as Discovery Global. This name was chosen to underscore the widespread recognition and value associated with the Discovery brand in the realms of entertainment, news, and sports worldwide.

David Zaslav, currently the president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, is set to lead Warner Bros. following the split. The TV-focused Discovery Global will be led by Gunnar Wiedenfels, who is presently the CFO of Warner Bros. Discovery and will take on the role of president and CEO.

This restructuring largely reverses the $43 billion merger of Discovery Communications and WarnerMedia by AT&T, completed in April 2022. Post-split, the former Turner/WarnerMedia TV networks such as CNN, TBS, TNT, truTV, and Cartoon Network will fall under the Discovery Global umbrella.

In the wake of the division, Zaslav is set to receive a “significantly reduced” target annual compensation, as per the company’s recent statements. Conversely, Wiedenfels will see an increase in his compensation package to reflect his new, broader responsibilities as CEO of Discovery Global.

Fraser Woodford, currently serving as Warner Bros. Discovery’s executive VP of treasury, investments, and real estate, will take on the role of CFO at Discovery Global upon the completion of the split.

Warner Bros. is in the process of recruiting a new CFO and head of HR, while Discovery Global is seeking to appoint a chief communications and public affairs officer, as revealed in a recent announcement.

Zaslav expressed pride in continuing the storied legacy of Warner Bros., highlighting significant strides made in recent years including the launch of a profitable global streaming service and revitalization of studio operations to regain industry leadership. He emphasized the strength of their storytelling IP and creative partnerships, affirming the executive team’s readiness to grow a company that lives up to its historical prominence.

Other key executives at Warner Bros. following the reorganization will include:

• Pam Abdy, co-chair and CEO, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
• Mike De Luca, co-chair and CEO, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
• JB Perrette, CEO and president of streaming and games
• Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO, HBO and HBO Max
• James Gunn, co-chairman and CEO, DC Studios
• Peter Safran, co-chairman and CEO, DC Studios
• Bruce Campbell, chief operating officer
• Channing Dungey, chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. TV Group
• Priya Aiyar, chief legal officer
• Robert Gibbs, chief communications and public affairs officer
• Lori Locke, chief accounting officer
• Avi Saxena, chief technology officer

The executive team for Discovery Global will comprise:

• Gerhard Zeiler, president, U.S., U.K. & Germany, Discovery+ and chief content officer
• Fraser Woodford, CFO
• David Duvall, chief technology officer
• Amy Girdwood, chief people & culture officer
• Ryan Gould, president, U.S. ad sales GTM
• Anil Jhingan, chief development officer
• Kasia Kieli, president and managing director, Poland, and TVN CEO
• Fernando Medin, president, international
• Scott Miller, president, distribution
• Fulvia Nicoli, executive VP, content strategy and 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, U.S. ad sales platform monetization

Wiedenfels expressed growing excitement for the future of Discovery Global, highlighting the strong operational leadership and strategic vision aimed at delivering high-quality content to a global audience.

Pictured top: David Zaslav, Gunnar Wiedenfels