12/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/18/2024 15:32
Los Angeles - Warner Bros. Discovery (Nasdaq: WBD) today announced the new leadership structure for its U.S. Networks business, which will be run by Channing Dungey, Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group, following the retirement at the end of the year of Kathleen Finch, Chairman and CEO, U.S. Networks. Brett Paul will serve as Chief Operating Officer for U.S. Networks, where he will play a key role in setting and executing Dungey's plan for the group, including leading business affairs and digital strategy. Paul, who will report to Dungey, will also continue in his current role as President, Warner Bros. Television Group. Howard Lee has been elevated to Chief Creative Officer of U.S. Networks and will also continue to serve as President and Head of Content for TLC and Discovery. Lee, who will also report to Dungey, will focus on content strategy across WBD's linear networks, on its streaming service Max, and around the world through licensing and partnerships.
The U.S. Networks leadership team will also include: Susan Kolar, who has been named Chief Financial & Strategy Officer for U.S. Networks, and will continue to report to Gunnar Wiedenfels, Chief Financial Officer, WBD; and Karen Bronzo, who will continue in her role as Chief Global Marketing Officer for U.S. Networks & News, co-reporting to Dungey and David Leavy, Chief Operating Officer, CNN Worldwide.
"Building on the foundation that Kathleen established, I am excited to announce the core U.S. Networks leadership team who will drive a new creative vision and distribution plan that best serves our audiences, our partners, and our business," said Dungey. "This powerful group will work to redefine the role of the U.S. Networks by fortifying our linear business while continuing to develop a content engine that feeds Max and creates shows that smartly leverage and promote our unparalleled IP."
In addition to her forthcoming leadership role at the U.S. Networks, Dungey will continue to serve as Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group, where the studio is on track to have its most profitable year in scripted content in the last five years.