Warner Bros. Discovery Breaks in Two: Welcome the Return of Warner Bros. and the Rise of Discovery Global

A new chapter begins for Warner Bros. Discovery as the media powerhouse unveils its post-split identities and leadership teams. The company is officially dividing into two distinct businesses—each with its own brand and purpose.

One side, led by CEO David Zaslav, will now carry the iconic Warner Bros. name. This division encompasses the crown jewels of the entertainment empire: Warner Bros. film and television studios, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max, and the classic Turner Classic Movies (TCM) network.

The other half, under the leadership of Gunnar Weidenfels, is rebranded as Discovery Global. This unit will take charge of the company’s legacy cable networks like TNT, TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network, Food Network, Discovery Channel, and HGTV. It also oversees international channels and the Discovery+ streaming platform.

To match the structural overhaul, the top-tier leadership teams for both entities have been revealed.

Warner Bros., under Zaslav, will be powered by a robust crew of seasoned executives:

• Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca (Co-CEOs, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group)

• James Gunn and Peter Safran (Co-CEOs, DC Studios)

• Casey Bloys (CEO, HBO & HBO Max)

• Channing Dungey (Chair, Warner Bros. Television Group)

• JB Perrette (CEO, Streaming & Interactive)

• Bruce Campbell (COO)

• Avi Saxena (CTO)

• Robert Gibbs (Chief Communications Officer)

• Priya Aiyar (Chief Legal Officer)

• Lori Locke (Chief Accounting Officer)

Zaslav shared his vision in a statement:
“Our goal is to continue building on Warner Bros.’ incredible legacy—over 100 years of storytelling that’s shaped culture and inspired generations. In recent years, we’ve made serious headway: launching a successful global streaming service, revamping our studios, and establishing ourselves as a creative force once again. With world-class IP, top-tier talent, and now a forward-thinking leadership team, we’re ready to take this legacy into the future.”

Discovery Global, meanwhile, will be guided by a leadership lineup focused on global growth and expansive content:

• Mark Thompson (CEO, CNN)

• Luis Silberwasser (CEO, TNT Sports)

• Ryan Gould and Bobby Voltaggio (Heads of Ad Sales)

• Gerhard Zeiler (President, U.S., U.K., and Germany; Chief Content Officer, Discovery+)

• David Duvall (CTO)

• Scott Miller (President of Distribution)

• Fraser Woodford (CFO)

• Anil Jhingan (Chief Development Officer)

• Fulvia Nicoli (EVP, Content Strategy & Insights)

• Fernando Medin (President, International)

Weidenfels also offered his thoughts on the rebrand:
“With Discovery Global ready to launch, our excitement grows by the day. Backed by a stellar collection of fan-favorite brands, a strong global footprint, and a leadership team built for bold decisions, we’re set to create meaningful content, invest smartly, and deliver across audiences of every age.”

At this stage, Warner Bros. is still searching for a new Chief Financial Officer, while Discovery Global is in the market for a head of communications and public affairs to round out their rosters.