Gerhard Zeiler of Warner Bros Discovery creates an international leadership team

Honcho Gerhard Zeiler, head of Warner Bros. Discovery International, has assembled his executive team, with major promotions for the likes of Priya Dogra and Anil Jhingan.

In a note sent to staff in the last hour seen by Deadline, Zeiler revealed 10 people who will oversee different regions and responsibilities when forming the newly merged entity’s international offering.

“Our combined international business has a large-scale and diversified portfolio, both geographically and in business,” said Zeiler.

“As a result, when deciding on a new leadership structure, we wanted to make sure we have regional leaders who reflect the size and complexity of the business, which in turn has increased focus on key markets.

As predicted by Deadline Analysis last week, London-based Dogra will take over as chairman and CEO of the EMEA (excluding Poland). Zeiler said that when he did something similar for Warner Media, he would now oversee the company’s significant combined presence across the region. He will be responsible for the integration and operation of Discovery and WM International organizations throughout the region.

The other big winner of the restructuring is Anil Jhingan, who will step down as president and CEO of Discovery Asia Pacific to oversee business development in all international markets as part of the reorganization of Discovery’s chief legal, development and distribution officer. , Bruce Campbell.

Dogra will take over the responsibilities of Scandinavian and British leader James Gibbons after an interim stint, with Gibbons heading to Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Cassia Kiel, former President and MD, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, becomes President and CEO of Poland and CEO of Polish TVN Discovery Channel, which is a small drop.

The only way out at this point is LatAm boss Whit Richardson, who has changed in the region. Ferdinand Medina. medina Appointed President and CEO in Latin America and Spain in the United States, he will continue to work in São Paulo.

Elsewhere, Clement Schweigi occupies Southeast Asia, Korea and India, Jillian Zhao becomes President of WM China and Andrew Giorgio continues to be President and CEO of WBD Sports Europe, which oversees countries such as Eurosport and Golf Portfolio.

Robert Blair is still in charge of licensing and Ronald Goss remains executive vice president and head of international television production, leading the WB’s international production business.

“I have full confidence in this group of leaders,” added Zeiler. “I have no doubt that, individually and collectively, they will help us realize our ambition to be the best and most dynamic media company in the world by working collaboratively and closely with WBD departments, including our counterparts in the United States. .

Complete Zeiler’s note

Dear!

In the note JB [Perette] And I sent it in last week, we promised to move deliberately but conveniently. After some conversations with WarnerMedia and Discovery’s key international business leaders, I am pleased to confirm that Warner Bros. Discovery’s team of international operations leaders.

Our combined international business is significant in size and a diverse portfolio, both geographically and across company boundaries. As a result, when deciding on a new leadership structure, we wanted to make sure we isolate regional leaders, reflecting the size and complexity of the business, which in turn would focus more on key markets. This leads to a different geographic division from the pre-merger state, which will also allow each regional leader to more quickly assess opportunities for growth and efficiency and to merge the two companies quickly.

Before I talk about the people who make up my leadership team, I want to say a word or two about the process. These were very difficult decisions. Every WM and Discovery should be proud of the leaders they have developed over the years. Because JB and I personally made an initial registration for all of you, our decisions are the result of a thoughtful process that included ensuring that a management team reflected the experience and talent of both businesses. None of these decisions were easy or made lightly.

And difficult decisions often have difficult consequences. So I’m very sad to lose with Richardson By a team of international leaders. I’m not exaggerating, as many of you know, but Whit’s influence on our Latin American affairs is no exception, his contributions in recent decades are invaluable. He has led the company through various organizational changes and has proven to be an inspiring, empathic and strategic leader. Above all, at each stage he has created diverse, collaborative and unified teams. Among other achievements, Whit was an integral part of building Turner’s business in Argentina and integrating Grupo Claxon Canals. He was also a pioneer of our sports strategy in the region and our profits nearly tripled during his career in Latin America. More recently, he has managed to integrate the business of HBO and then Warner Bros. into a WarnerMedia organization in Latin America in the region. Last but not least, he played a vital role in the successful launch of HBO Max in the region, working closely with our colleagues from the DTC organization. I couldn’t ask for more for him. White has diligently agreed to stay with us during the transition period; There will be more details. Your help in merging our two businesses will be significant.

Separately, I gladly share it. anil JinganPresident of Asia Pacific Discovery and MD, he will take on a new role in the WBD Group’s expanded business development across all of our international markets as part of the Bruce Campbell organization. We are very grateful for Anil’s leadership in successfully running the APAC business and congratulate her on her appointment. I’m looking forward to continuing to collaborate with Anil in her new role.

With that, let me introduce you to a team of new leaders from WBD International:

first dogra Appointed President and General Manager of EMEA (formerly Poland), overseeing the company’s significant combined presence across the region. Continuing to be based in London, Priya will be responsible for the integration and operation of Discovery and WM International organizations in the region.

James Gibbons Appointed President and CEO, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, to bring me back. He will also continue to manage the Scandinavian region for a temporary period, reporting to Priya and entrusting the management of Discovery UK & Ireland to Priya, who will in the meantime supervise them directly. He will remain in London in 2022 and plans to return to Asia in early 2023. James has been with Discovery since 1999 and has held numerous roles in Europe and Asia, most recently managing UK and Scandinavian operations.

Cassia Kiel Appointed president and CEO, Poland and CEO of TVN. In this role, Cassia brings extensive experience in the dynamics of the Polish media sector. No one will be able to better equip us in Poland to grow our significant resources and maintain a leadership position in the WBD-TVN group of channels in the country.

Ferdinand Medina Appointed president and CEO, Latin America and US Hispanics will remain at the bottom St. Paul And he will take responsibility for major combined businesses in the region that include core sports rights and a strong channel portfolio.

Clemente Schweig Appointed President and CEO of South East Asia (SEA), Korea and India. Clement will continue to operate in Singapore, where he manages WarnerMedia’s recently integrated business operations from 2020.

jillianzhaoPresident, WM China will continue to report to me in its current capacity. Jillian has been in her place since 2016 and during this time she has successfully expanded and strengthened our business.

cue toneCurrently owned by GM, SVP Greater China & SEA and APAC DTC for Discovery Leads, she briefs me on her role in Greater China and DTC and Clement Schwig for SEA responsibilities.

Andrea Giorgio He remains President and CEO of London-based WBD Sports Europe which manages the sporting business and maintains its current portfolio of Eurosport, PlaySports Group (including Global Bicycle Network), Golf Portfolio (PGA Tour, GOLFTV and GOLFTV). ) and sport. Business for events.

Roberto Blair Continue to lead our major licensing business as President of WBD International Television Distribution.

ronald goes He continues to lead EVP and international television production, leading WB Production’s international business.

I have full faith in the leaders of this group. I have no doubt that, individually and collectively, they will help us realize our ambition to be the best and most dynamic media company in the world by working collaboratively and closely with WBD departments, including our colleagues in the United States. , but in the meantime, join us and congratulate them on their role.