Warner Bros Discovery revisits the past with revamped corporate identities
Warner Bros. and Discovery Global to Split in Mid-2026
After a successful merger in 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery will be splitting into two independent entities in mid-2026. The two companies will be named Warner Bros. and Discovery Global, each with a distinct focus and leadership team.
Warner Bros. will be led by David Zaslav, who continues as President and CEO. The new company will focus on streaming and studios, with key executives such as 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.
On the other hand, Discovery Global will be headed by Gunnar Wiedenfels, currently CFO of Warner Bros. Discovery, who will serve as CEO of Discovery Global. This company will be responsible for strategic investments and delivering compelling content to global audiences. Discovery Global's entertainment, sports, and news television brands, including CNN, TNT Sports in the US, Discovery, top free-to-air channels across Europe, and the Discovery+ streaming service, will be part of this entity. The leadership team also features ad leaders Ryan Gould and Bobby Voltaggio, Gerhard Zeiler as president for key markets and CCO, Mark Thompson as Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, and David Duvall as Chief Technology Officer.
Gunnar Wiedenfels expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead for Discovery Global due to its leading portfolio of brands, worldwide footprint, and experienced leadership team. David Zaslav, in turn, stated that the new company is in a strong position to grow, with an unmatched portfolio of storytelling IP and a team of proven, bold, and committed leaders.
It's worth noting that no new information was given about the team within Warner Bros, such as Casey Bloys, Channing Dungey, JB Perrette, or Avi Saxena. Additionally, no information was provided about who will lead Discovery Global's sports division, TNT Sports in the U.S., and Bleacher Report.
The split is a return to the two separate entities before the 2022 merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery. This move is expected to streamline operations and allow each company to focus on its core strengths, potentially leading to increased growth and innovation in the media industry.
Warner Bros., under the leadership of David Zaslav, will focus on streaming and studios, with key executives such as Pam Abdy, Mike De Luca, Casey Bloys, Channing Dungey, James Gunn, and Peter Safran leading various divisions. On the other hand, Discovery Global, headed by Gunnar Wiedenfels, will be responsible for strategic investments and delivering content globally, with brands like CNN, Discovery, and Discovery+ under its umbrella. The company will also have ad leaders Ryan Gould and Bobby Voltaggio, Gerhard Zeiler, Mark Thompson, and David Duvall on its team.
