Warner Bros. Discovery has unveiled the official identities and leadership teams for the two standalone companies that will emerge when the media giant completes its planned separation by mid‑2026. After less than four years as one combined entity, returns to the well with a familiar name, once again with the “Streaming & Studios” and “Global Networks,” each carrying a storied name befitting their portfolios: Warner Bros. and Discovery Global, respectively.
The spinoff and new names come a little over 27 months since Warner Bros. and Discovery officially merged.
Helmed by David Zaslav, the current President and CEO of WBD, he will lead Warner Bros. as a standalone. The company will continue to be a creative engine and the home of the company’s iconic film and TV libraries. Additionally, it will encompass the umbrella of Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Bros. Gaming Studios.
“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,” said Zaslav. “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 coupled with 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.”
Zaslav will be joined by a powerhouse team of creative and operational veterans, including:
- Pam Abdy, Co‑Chair & CEO, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
- Casey Bloys, Chairman & CEO, HBO and HBO Max
- James Gunn and Peter Safran, Co‑Chairmen & CEOs, DC Studios
- JB Perrette, CEO & President, Streaming and Games
- Bruce Campbell, Chief Operating Officer
- Priya Aiyar, Chief Legal Officer
On the other side of the split, Discovery Global will house the company’s premier entertainment, sports and news television brands. Linear networks from CNN to TNT Sports in the U.S. to free‑to‑air channels across Europe, plus digital offerings like Discovery+ and Bleacher Report, emphasizes the standalone’s “global” name and the division’s international scale and diverse portfolio.
Leading Discovery Global will be current WBD CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels, promoted to President and CEO. His executive team includes:
- Mark Thompson, Chairman and CEO, CNN Worldwide
- Luis Silberwasser, Chairman and CEO, TNT Sports
- Gerhard Zeiler, President of US, UK & Germany, Discovery+ and Chief Content Officer
- Amy Girdwood, Chief People & Culture Officer
- Sue Underwald, Chief Legal Officer
- Fraser Woodford, Chief Financial Officer
In the announcement, Wiedenfels commented: “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.”
