JB Perrette to head global streaming business as Warner Bros. Discovery unveils leadership

Warner Bros. Discovery has unveiled its leadership team under CEO David Zaslav, with JB Perrette and Kathleen Finch among those taking key roles.

JB Perrette

The team, unveiled days after a slew of senior execs from WarnerMedia, will see Perrette – the ex-president & CEO of Discovery Streaming & International – taking charge of Warner Bros Discovery Global Streaming & Interactive, with a giant remit that includes oversight of HBO Max and Discovery+.

He will also oversee direct-to-consumer businesses globally as well as gaming, with president Warner Bros. Games David Haddad reporting to the Discovery veteran.

Scripps Networks interactive alum Kathleen Finch, previously Discovery’s chief lifestyle brands officer, becomes chairman & chief content officer for the US Networks Group, a new division that will house the combined groups 40-plus Stateside channels operation.

Discovery’s factual networks’ chief content officer, Nancy Daniels, reports into Finch, along with TBS & TNT general manager Brett Weitz, and Warner Bros. Global’s kids boss, Tom Ascheim, for his network remit.

WarnerMedia execs retaining their roles include Channing Dungey, who continues to oversee Warner Bros. Television Group; HBO & HBO Max chief content officer, Casey Bloys; and Toby Emmerich, who remains in charge of Warner Bros. Pictures Group.

David Zaslav

Chris Licht has already been named to lead CNN+, following the departure of Jeff Zucker earlier this year.

Other WarnerMedia execs to keep hold of their jobs are Gerhard Zeiler, who will be president of international and oversee distribution strategy internationally, working with Perrette.

Discovery’s distribution chief, Bruce Campbell, meanwhile moves to become chief revenue & strategy officer at the merged firm, overseeing content licensing and streaming deals, amongst other responsibilities.

Other senior appointments include the factual giant’s Gunnar Wiedenfels being named CFO and Adria Alpert Romm being confirmed as chief people & culture officer.

Zaslav said the new team “blends world-class leaders from both organisations as we take our first step toward one single cohesive, collaborative culture.”

He added: “Today’s announcement combines a strong team of professional managers in a simpler organisational structure, with fewer layers, more accountability and a singular strategic focus as a global pure-play content company. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves with this team so that, together, we can write this next exciting chapter.”