WarnerMedia centralises distribution leadership for HBO, Turner

WarnerMedia has centralised leadership of it distribution business, with a new exec team that has oversight of brands including HBO and Turner. 

Long-time execs Sofia Chang and Rich Warren will serve as presidents of WarnerMedia Distribution, with oversight of HBO, forthcoming streamer HBO Max, Cinemax and the Turner channels.

The exec will report into Gerhard Zeiler, chief revenue officer for WarnerMedia and president of WarnerMedia International Networks.

WarnerMedia has said that centralising its distribution operations further informs its strategy of increased collaboration within the business and its slate of brands.

Chang previously served as EVP of global digital distribution for HBO, while Warren was president of Turner Content Distribution.

Chang first joined HBO in 2000, and has held a number of roles, including leading the digital and physical distribution of HBO and Cinemax programmes globally, and since 2015, distributing HBO and Cinemax subscriptions on all digital platforms.

Meanwhile, Warren – a 19-year exec – has led Turner’s distribution team, responsible for the company’s multi-platform distribution of linear networks, digital brands and on-demand content, affiliate marketing, business development, strategic planning and business affairs.

Zeiler said: “We will have two hugely experienced leaders who know our business inside out. Over the last few months I have worked closely with both. Sofia’s experience and success in driving HBO’s digital subscriptions has been of great value as I have looked to understand the US HBO business in greater depth and detail, and Rich has brought his strategic skills to the table as we have sought this way forward. Working together, both will provide the strategy and direction needed to enable future growth.”