Warner Bros. Discovery Introduces Executive Team for Europe, Middle East and Africa

Warner Bros. on Wednesday. Discovery unveiled a leadership team to support Priya Dogra’s previously announced role as President and CEO of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), excluding Poland.

The Discovery and WarnerMedia merger closed in April.

“My focus has been on building a senior team that utilizes and balances Discovery’s and WarnerMedia’s business experience, perspective and talent,” said Dogram. “Each leader will be responsible for continuing the necessary transitions to new modes of distribution and new ways of growing, as well as integrating our two organizations into a single team, with a clear strategy and a common, respectful culture.

The executive team will lead Warner Bros. to Discovery Combined Business in their respective areas, “working in close coordination with the company’s global functions in US broadcast, sports, concert and studios, and developing specific marketing strategies.” the business. Achieve growth and efficiency,” the company said.

Executives who will join Dogra’s leadership team and support GMs across the region include Antony Root, who remains responsible for HBO Max’s original production in EMEA, as well as WarnerMedia’s general entertainment channels in Germany, France. and Spain. and Ragnhild Thorbech, who remains responsible for programming and acquisitions for HBO Max EMEA.

Additionally, Vanessa Brookman continues to serve as Senior Vice President, Children and Family Members, EMEA and also assumes responsibility for Adult Swim in EMEA, a dual reporting line with Michael Owel, who runs Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang. ; Myriam López-Otazu remains responsible for managing, planning and prioritizing Discovery Linear Channels’ investments, and Discovery+ works closely with the GMO area and coordinates the US programming team; And Caesar Rafike becomes business strategy leader, expanding his role at Discovery to a broader portfolio.

As previously reported, Leah Hooper serves as regional leader for EMEA Broadcast, serves as CEO and President of JB Perrette’s global broadcast and interactive leadership team, and will also be “an integral part of the senior team.” company said. . .

Among the key new roles in the region, Christina Sulebeck, who served as general manager of HBO Max in Europe, will become general manager of the Nordic countries.

Here are some other important roles:
Alessandro Araimo becomes General Manager, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Discovery in Italy.

Pierre Branco becomes General Manager for France, Benelux and Africa. Previously, he served as Country Manager for WarnerMedia in France, Benelux, Middle East and Africa, and as Head of Advertising and Affiliate Sales for EMEA.

Jamie Cook will become General Manager for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), the Baltics, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Turkey. Previously, he served as Discovery Country Manager for the EEC, Middle East and Africa.

Hannes Heyelmann becomes General Manager, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Previously, he was Executive Vice President and Programmer for WarnerMedia in EMEA.

Antonio Ruiz becomes Managing Director, UK and Ireland. Previously, he served as General Manager of Discovery in Spain, France and Portugal.

Meanwhile, the following executives have decided to step down, the company said: Sylvia Rotblum, Country Manager, Germany, Austria and Switzerland at WarnerMedia; Susanne Aigner, Senior Vice President Global and General Manager, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Benelux for Discovery; Thomas Chiampa, Country Manager of WarnerMedia Italy, Spain and Portugal; Lydia Fairfax, Senior Vice President, Business Partnerships, EMEA for Discovery; David Fisher, vice president of initial advertising at Discovery.