Exec changes at Warner Bros Discovery ANZ

Warner Bros Discovery has announced a change of leadership in Australia and New Zealand.

Departing the company is Glen Kyne, who had a wide regional remit as Senior Vice President & Head of Networks, Warner Bros Discovery Australia, New Zealand, Japan.

Juliet Peterson, currently Senior Director of Content and BVOD, will now lead the business as Vice President, Head of Networks, ANZ, reporting to James Gibbons, President, Asia Pacific, WBD.

Sydney-based Michael Brooks will continue in his dual role as MD of Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia, reporting to Ronald Goes, and Head of Studios, ANZ, reporting to Gibbons.

James Gibbons commented: “Glen has done an incredible job of navigating industry disruption. He has been a popular and calming leader; his leadership of the organisation through its recent restructure put empathy and kindness at the forefront, two attributes that everyone who has worked with Glen knows he has in spades.

“Glen has been a pivotal member of the APAC leadership team, bringing an excellent mix of industry expertise, operational leadership, and commercial acumen to the business. Personally, I’ve valued Glen’s counsel and resilience. He has been an excellent partner and I want to take this moment to sincerely thank him for his contribution.”

On Peterson’s appointment, Gibbons added: “Juliet is exactly the right person to lead this business into the future. In the three years that Juliet has been with us, she has already demonstrated an amazing ability to build and lead strong teams. Prior to working at WBD, Juliet’s work at TVNZ across multiple business streams saw her grow and develop high-performing channels and platforms across both digital and broadcast. I’m confident that Juliet’s strategic vision and leadership can help drive the business forward.”

Kyne said, “It is a genuine privilege to lead a media business, and to be part of a global company with the world’s most recognisable content brands.

“It has been 10 years now working at Flower St under different ownership structures but my love for our business, our people, and our industry has never been stronger. Being a part of Discovery and subsequently Warner Bros Discovery, I was lucky enough to build a true global lens across our ANZ operations, and I’ve been honoured to have had many wonderful experiences here that I will never forget.

“It goes without saying that it’s been a particularly challenging year for our teams, but the grace and professionalism with which they’ve carried themselves is a true indication of the people and culture here. I want to thank all of our people, and especially the leadership team for their trust, patience and support of me to lead through these years. It’s been the highlight of my career.

“I am also very proud and excited to see Juliet take the helm – she is a master of our sector, and her deep knowledge and experience combined with her digital leadership will see WBD ANZ thrive now, and into the future.”

The changes come ahead of rumoured moves of streaming service Max launching locally, still yet to be confirmed.

Source: Mediaweek