Warner Bros. Discovery names UK and Ireland leadership team

Warner Bros. Discovery has confirmed its senior leadership team for the UK & Ireland, to be headed up by new general manager Antonio Ruiz.

Antonio Ruiz

Ruiz was appointed to his role in June, reporting into EMEA president and MD Priya Dogra, and has now selected his top execs.

As part of the restructure, long-time Discovery exec Simon Downing, head of factual and SVP of marketing, is stepping down, while 25-year WarnerMedia veteran Charlie Cubbon, head of commercial development, is also exiting.

Ruiz’s new look team sees Discovery veteran Clare Laycock taking on editorial, including local content production, programming and media planning, while long-time Warner Bros. exec Neil Marshall will continue to look after theatrical film distribution, local film production and acquisition. Alison Morris, a 15-year Warner Bros. veteran, will lead TV licensing and digital home entertainment distribution.

Meanwhile, Katie Coteman will take on ad-sales; Alex Foley will lead on insight, strategy and retail planning; Alex Lewis will oversee marketing, creative services, brand partnerships, franchise management, social media and consumer PR; and Rachel Wakley takes retail, consumer products, physical home video, games, supply chain and experiences.

Ruiz said: “Both legacy companies house tremendous talent which makes me even more excited about the organization we are building for the future as we look to maximize our portfolio of brands, content, products and channels, along with our ambitions to deliver a hugely successful streaming business, in the UK and Ireland.