Photo Credit: Getty Images
Warner Bros. Discovery has officially revealed the names and executive leadership structures of the two companies it will become following its anticipated corporate split in mid-2026. The strategic move is aimed at streamlining operations and maximizing the potential of its expansive entertainment and media assets.
The first of the two new entities, referred to as the “Streaming & Studios” company, will carry forward the iconic Warner Bros. Name. This division will house Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Bros. Gaming Studios, alongside an extensive film and TV library. According to the company, the name “Warner Bros.” Was chosen “in honoring the legacy of more than a century of industry-defining storytelling.”
Meanwhile, the second entity will be known as Discovery Global. It will encompass WBD’s global network assets, including CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., Discovery Channel, and an array of free-to-air channels across Europe. Digital brands such as Discovery+ and Bleacher Report will also fall under this banner. The name Discovery Global was selected “in recognition of the affinity and value this name has around the world in entertainment, news and sports,” the company said.
Leadership for both new companies has also been established. Warner Bros. Will be led by David Zaslav, currently the president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery. Discovery Global will be headed by Gunnar Wiedenfels, the company’s current CFO, who will take over as President and CEO.
Warner Bros. Is actively seeking candidates for its CFO and Head of HR roles. Discovery Global, meanwhile, is recruiting a Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer.
Zaslav emphasized the studio’s historic role and future potential in a statement: “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 highlighted the company’s momentum in streaming and its revitalized studios as key growth drivers.
The Warner Bros. Executive team will include:
Pam Abdy & Mike De Luca, Co-Chairs and CEOs, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
Priya Aiyar, Chief Legal Officer
Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO and HBO Max
Bruce Campbell, Chief Operating Officer
Channing Dungey, Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. TV Group
Robert Gibbs, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer
James Gunn & Peter Safran, Co-Chairmen and CEOs, DC Studios
Lori Locke, Chief Accounting Officer
JB Perrette, CEO & President of Streaming and Games
Avi Saxena, Chief Technology Officer
At Discovery Global, the executive lineup 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; CEO, TVN
Fernando Medin, President, International
Scott Miller, President, Distribution
Fulvia Nicoli, EVP, 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 spoke confidently about the upcoming transition: “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.”
With this announcement, Warner Bros. Discovery has set the stage for what it hopes will be a seamless and powerful transformation, preserving legacy while positioning for growth across two purpose-built companies.
