Following the news last month that Warner Bros Discovery will be splitting into two entities in mid-2026, it has now announced the names and leadership for the two companies.
The two companies will be known as Warner Bros and Discovery Global, effectively returning to the two separate entities before the 2022 merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery that created Warner Bros Discovery.
Warner Bros, led by David Zaslev, will include Warner Bros Television, Warner Bros Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max and Warner Bros Gaming Studios.
The company’s leadership team will also include Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO, HBO and HBO Max; Channing Dungey, chairman and CEO, Warner Bros TV Group; JB Perrette, CEO and president of Streaming and Games; and Avi Saxena, chief technology officer (reporting to Perrette).
Speaking about the new company, Zaslev said: “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.”
The company’s entertainment, sports and news television brands around the world, including CNN, TNT Sports in the US, Discovery, and top free-to-air channels across Europe, as well as digital products such as the Discovery+ streaming service, will be called Discovery Global.
Gunnar Wiedenfels, currently CFO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will serve as president and CEO of Discovery Global. The leadership will also include David Duvall, chief technology officer; Kasia Kieli, president and MD, Poland and CEO, TVN; Mark Thompson, chairman and CEO, CNN Worldwide; and Gerhard Zeiler, president, US, UK & Germany, Discovery+ and chief content officer.
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.”
