WarnerMedia exits ramp up as Discovery merger looms

The exodus of WarnerMedia executives continues, with the company confirming that six more execs are to depart ahead of its merger with Discovery.

The latest confirmed departures include Jim Meza, EVP general counsel; CFO Jennifer Biry; EVP chief human resources officer Jim Cummings; EVP chief revenue officer Tony Goncalves; EVP communications and chief inclusion officer Christy Haubegger; and chief technology officer Richard Tom.

The purge of WarnerMedia staff, which has now seen the departure of nine senior execs, began on Tuesday with the news that CEO Jason Kilar was to leave following the firm’s shock $43bn merger with Discovery. This was soon followed by studios chief Ann Sarnoff and HBO Max boss Andy Forssell.

Discovery has previously said it has identified $3bn cost efficiencies, with replicated roles across the two companies now being shaken out.

US reports suggest Discovery president & CEO of streaming & international, JB Perrette, will take charge of the combined company’s streaming operation, details of which remain unclear.

It has also been suggested that the Warner Bros. Discovery merger could finalise within the next couple of days, with the new David Zaslav-led combined company debuting as soon as Monday.