Warner Bros. Discovery exits continue with France, Benelux & Africa chief stepping down

Pierre Branco

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD)’s chief in France, Benelux and Africa is stepping down after 17 years with the company.

Pierre Branco’s exit was confirmed this morning by WBD’s international president Gerhard Zeiler in a note to staff.

He had been in the role since June 2022, having previously been country manager for WarnerMedia in France, Benelux, Middle East and Africa and head of affiliates & ad sales for EMEA.

Before that he had led the MENA region for Turner, as well as being SVP and general manager for Northern Europe, overseeing brands such as Cartoon Network and Adult Swim.

Gerhard Zeiler

Background & context

Branco had taken up his most recent position following an overhaul of WBD’s ranks in Europe last summer under fellow Turner alum, Priya Dogra.

She announced her exit from WBD in August, with her European team of five senior execs appointed 15 months ago now down to two.

Antonio Ruiz – who had been named GM for UK and Ireland – has since been replaced by Andrew Georgiou, while WBD’s EVP in Germany, Hannes Heyelmann, revealed his departure last month.

Dogra, who had been president & MD for EMEA, is not being replaced and will see her remit taken on by WBD’s international president Gerhard Zeiler.

Alessandro Araimo remains in charge of Italy, Spain and Portugal, while Jamie Cooke oversees CEE, Baltics, Middle East, Mediterranean and Turkey.

TBI understands further updates on WBD’s European team structure are in the works.

In his note to staff, Branco said: “As we know, the business has evolved dramatically during this time and I have enjoyed taking advantage of the commercial and creative opportunities this has brought my way along the years, launching new pay tv channels like Toonami or Warner TV, creating a new service with the Warner Pass on Amazon’s Prime Video, releasing global hits like Barbie or French phenomenon like Simone and building a strong slate of local theatrical movies and original series for streaming.

“The time feels right now to move to a new chapter, and I am excited for the new challenges and fresh adventures ahead.”

His next move is not yet known.