Warner Bros. digital networks boss to exit

Craig Hunegs, who serves as president of business and strategy at Warner Bros. Television Group (WBTVG) and president of its digital networks (WBDN), has revealed that he will leave the studio by the end of the year.

Hunegs, has led the build-out of Warner Bros. OTT services and was instrumental to the launch of Warner’s DC Universe service and Boomerang.

He departs shortly after AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner.

The newly formed WarnerMedia, which will launch a streamer focused on Warner Bros., HBO and Turner content at the end of 2019, recently appointed AT&T Entertainment’s Brad Bentley as general manager and executive VP for direct-to-consumer development.

At WBTVG, Hunegs was responsible for overall TV Group performance and for creating growth across the business. He actively managed production for US broadcast, basic and premium cable networks and SVOD services.

The growth of Warner Bros. Animation’s kids’ business, expansion of international local production and evolution of linear and on-demand TV distribution, also fell under Hunegs’ remit.

Hunegs was the lead deal maker for all Television Group production divisions. He also served on the board of The CW network, playing an active role in setting its linear and digital distribution strategies.

“Craig has been an invaluable member of the Warner Bros. family for more than two decades. His skills as a manager, a savvy deal maker and a hugely talented strategist have helped shape our future in the rapidly evolving television industry and been critical to the company’s success,” said Kevin Tsujihara, chairman and CEO, Warner Bros., to whom Hunegs reports.

“Most recently, Craig was instrumental in our move into the digital networks business, including helping launch DC Universe, which brings one of our most important brands fully into the digital age. I thank him for his many contributions to Warner Bros.  We will all miss him immensely, but I have no doubt he’ll be equally successful in his future endeavors.”

Hunegs added: “I want to thank Kevin and my colleagues in the Television Group – especially my partners Peter Roth and Jeff Schlesinger – my Digital Networks team and all my colleagues across WB, Turner and HBO. It’s been an amazing run. After 20 years here, I can’t wait to take on new opportunities at this incredibly dynamic time in our industry.”