Warner Bros. Discovery names president for China

L-R: Gillian Zhao & Tony Qiu

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has appointed two key leadership roles in its Western Pacific business, with Gillian Zhao named president for China, and Tony Qiu becoming head of commercial for the region.

Both will report to James Gibbons, president & managing director, Western Pacific, WBD, effective immediately.

Zhao takes on the role with more than 20 years’ experience across entertainment and high-tech sectors, with strong knowledge of the Chinese industry.

She has previously overseen consistently strong box office performance in China, according to WBD, including successfully growing the role and contribution of co-productions.

Going forward, Zhao will lead the strategic growth of WBD’s theatrical, TV distribution, home entertainment and local theatrical production businesses in China.

Meanwhile, Qiu takes oversight of key lines of revenue for Western Pacific. In addition to ad sales and hames management in China, Qiu will also lead the consumer products business in China and ANZ, and drive the international ad sales function for the region as a whole.

“The combination of assets in Western Pacific markets creates significant creative and commercial opportunities across our diverse WBD portfolio,” said Gibbons. “Gillian and Tony bring exceptional local and international experience to these roles; their leadership will be key as we look to further monetise and scale our businesses.”

The Western Pacific region comprises Japan, Australia & New Zealand and China, and spans WBD’s portfolio, including pay-TV, FTA, theatrical, studios, DTC and consumer products.