In a significant move, Warner Bros. Discovery announced Monday the corporate structure and executive teams that will lead its two successor companies following a planned separation set for mid-2026.
The split will create two distinct entities: Warner Bros. and Discovery Global. Each will inherit a collection of high-profile brands and global media properties aimed at better aligning content creation and distribution with rapidly evolving consumer habits.
The new Warner Bros. company will serve as the home for streaming and studios. It will encompass Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Bros. Gaming Studios, along with the iconic film and television libraries associated with those brands. The name honors the company’s century-long history of storytelling across multiple platforms.
Meanwhile, Discovery Global will focus on linear and digital networks around the world, including CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., Discovery Channel, and leading free-to-air channels across Europe. The portfolio also includes digital products like Discovery+ and Bleacher Report. According to the company, Discovery Global currently reaches more than 1.1 billion unique viewers in 68 languages across 200 countries and territories.
David Zaslav, currently President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will remain in that role for Warner Bros. after the split. His leadership team includes key creative and corporate executives such as Casey Bloys (Chairman & CEO of HBO and HBO Max), James Gunn and Peter Safran (Co-Chairmen and CEOs of DC Studios), and Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca (Co-Chairs and CEOs of the Motion Picture Group) among others.
“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,” Zaslav said in the announcement. “We are in a strong position to launch and continue to meaningfully grow a company worthy of our storied past.”
On the Discovery Global side, Warner Bros. Discovery CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels will transition into the role of President and CEO. He’ll be joined by a leadership team that includes CNN Worldwide Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson, TNT Sports chief Luis Silberwasser, and Gerhard Zeiler, who will serve as President of the U.S., UK, and Germany and oversee Discovery+ and content strategy among others.
“As we prepare for the launch of Discovery Global, our enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead only grows,” Wiedenfels said. “We now have the experienced and talented leadership team who will ensure strong operational execution to drive strategic investments and deliver compelling content to global audiences.”
Searches are ongoing for several key executive roles across both companies, including Chief Financial Officer and Chief People & Culture Officer at Warner Bros., and Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer at Discovery Global.
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so they have bleecher report and Discovery+ to relaunch with in terms of streaming options for sports or other live content