Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Strategic Split into Two New Companies with Reshaped Leadership Teams

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has revealed key details about its upcoming corporate separation, announcing the formation of two new companies with executive teams largely composed of current leaders, though with some title adjustments.

The first entity, focusing on streaming and studios, will retain the iconic name Warner Bros. This company will house Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, along with streaming platforms HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Bros. Gaming Studios. It will also control the film and television libraries, honoring the company’s more than a century of industry-defining storytelling.

The second company, named Discovery Global, will encompass global networks including CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., Discovery’s free-to-air channels across Europe, the Discovery+ streaming service, and Bleacher Report (B/R).

WBD initially indicated its plans to split last year and made the move official in June 2025, targeting a completion date by mid-2026. This strategic shift follows similar industry moves like Comcast’s spin-off of NBCUniversal’s cable networks into an independent public company called Versante. Both decisions are driven by the need for increased operational flexibility amid the decline of legacy linear television.

Executive Leadership Highlights:

• David Zaslav remains CEO of Warner Bros.

• Gunnar Wiedenfels becomes CEO of Discovery Global.

• Bruce Campbell steps into the role of Chief Operating Officer at Warner Bros.

• Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca will serve as Co-Chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group.

• James Gunn and Peter Safran will act as Co-Chairmen and CEOs of DC Studios.

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• Casey Bloys becomes Chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max.

• Channing Dungey will be Chair & CEO of Warner Bros. TV Group.

• JB Perrette is named CEO & President of Streaming and Games, with Avi Saxena as Chief Technology Officer.

• Searches are underway for new Chief Financial Officer and Chief People & Culture Officer positions.

At Discovery Global, key appointments include Luis Silberwasser as Chairman and CEO of TNT Sports and Mark Thompson as Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide. Other senior roles focus on international content, distribution, ad sales, and strategy.

Strategic Outlook:

David Zaslav commented, “We proudly continue Warner Bros.’ legacy of more than a century by delivering culture-defining stories and entertainment worldwide. Our investments in a profitable global streaming service and reinvigorated studios position us strongly for future growth.”

Gunnar Wiedenfels added, “As we prepare to launch Discovery Global, our leading portfolio of brands and experienced leadership team will ensure strong execution, driving strategic investments and delivering compelling content to audiences around the world.”