Warner Bros. Discovery has officially announced the names and leadership structures of the two independent companies that will emerge from its planned mid-2026 separation, signaling a bold new chapter for one of the world’s most influential media conglomerates. The company’s “Streaming & Studios” division will become Warner Bros., a name that honors over 100 years of iconic storytelling through legendary brands such as Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Bros. Gaming Studios. Meanwhile, its “Global Networks” division will be rebranded as Discovery Global, highlighting the worldwide strength and recognition of the Discovery brand in entertainment, news, and sports.
Warner Bros. will be led by current WBD President and CEO David Zaslav, who continues at the helm as the new company launches with a seasoned executive team. Key leadership roles include Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca as Co-Chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Casey Bloys as Chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max, Channing Dungey as Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group, and James Gunn and Peter Safran as Co-Chairmen and CEOs of DC Studios. JB Perrette will oversee Streaming and Games, while other senior appointments include Bruce Campbell as COO, Priya Aiyar as Chief Legal Officer, Robert Gibbs as Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, and Avi Saxena as CTO. The company is currently searching for a Chief Financial Officer and a Chief People & Culture Officer.
Zaslav emphasized the strategic focus of the new Warner Bros. brand, stating that the company will continue to build on its creative legacy while expanding its global footprint through premium storytelling, innovative platforms, and a dynamic executive team capable of delivering culture-shaping content to audiences worldwide.
Discovery Global, the new home for the company’s global broadcast, cable, and digital networks, will be led by current WBD CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels, who steps into the role of President and CEO. The division will include marquee brands like CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., Discovery Channel, and major free-to-air channels across Europe, as well as digital platforms such as Discovery+ and Bleacher Report. With content delivered in 68 languages and a reach of 1.1 billion unique viewers across 200 countries, Discovery Global is positioned to be a major international force in media.
Supporting Wiedenfels is a leadership team with deep global expertise: Gerhard Zeiler will serve as President for the US, UK, and Germany and as Chief Content Officer; Mark Thompson will continue as Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide; Luis Silberwasser will lead TNT Sports; and Kasia Kieli, Fernando Medin, Amy Girdwood, Anil Jhingan, and others will oversee key international, operational, and content functions. The company is currently hiring a Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer to complete its executive structure.
Wiedenfels expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory, highlighting the value of its strong global brands, the experience of its leadership, and its ability to connect with diverse audiences through innovative and relevant content strategies.
With the separation on track for 2026, Warner Bros. Discovery is setting the stage for two highly focused, creatively driven companies—each with a clear mission, global reach, and strong leadership to meet the demands of a constantly evolving entertainment landscape.
