The head of Warner Bros. Discovery’s international operations, Gerhard Zeiler has named his new team that he says will reflect the “scale and complexity” of the business.
There are some new geographical splits when compared to before the merger of Discovery and Warner Media.
Priya Dogra is appointed as President & Managing Director, EMEA (excluding Poland) overseeing the company’s combined, footprint across the region. Continuing to be based in London, Dogra will be responsible for integrating and operating the Discovery and WM International organisations across the region.
Poland will be handed by Kasia Kieli, who becomes President & Managing Director, Poland and CEO of TVN (See Separate Story). With its market-leading commercial channel, Poland is an important part of the combined company’s portfolio.
James Gibbons has been appointed President & Managing Director, Australia, New Zealand & Japan. He will also continue to manage the Nordic region for an interim period and will transition the leadership of Discovery UK & Ireland to Dogra who will oversee them directly for the time being. Gibbons will remain based in London in 2022 and plans to move back to Asia early 2023. He has been with Discovery since 1999 and had multiple roles across Europe and Asia most recently leading the UK and Nordic businesses.
Andrew Georgiou continues as President & Managing Director, WBD Sports Europe based in London leading the Sports business, retaining his current portfolio which includes Eurosport, PlaySports Group (incl. Global Cycling Network), Golf portfolio (PGA Tour, GOLFTV and Golf Digest) and the Sports Events Business.
In other appointments; Anil Jhingan, currently President & MD for Discovery Asia Pacific, will be taking up a new position leading business development for the enlarged WBD group across all international markets; Fernando Medin is appointed President & Managing Director, Latin America & US Hispanic.
Clement Schwebig is appointed President & Managing Director, South-East Asia (SEA), Korea and India.
Gillian Zhao, President, China WM will continue to report to me in her current function.
Robert Blair continues to lead the licensing business as President, WBD International Television Distribution, working together and being jointly responsible with each of the regional Presidents for the licensing of all our TV and film content.
Ronald Goes continues as EVP and Head of International TV Production leading the International WB Production business.
