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Pierre Branco will leave Warner Bros. Discovery where he has held the role of executive vp, general manager for France, Benelux and Africa.
Gerhard Zeiler, the conglomerate’s international president, unveiled the news in a memo to staff on Tuesday.
Branco joined Turner in 2006 and held several key roles across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, including leading Turner’s TV and digital business in France, the U.K., Northern Europe, Middle East and Africa, where he launched new key brands, including Toonami and Warner TV that expanded the company’s footprint in these markets. He then led the affiliate and ad sales unit in EMEA and was responsible for wholesale distribution contracts when HBO Max was launched in the region. Most recently, back in France as general manager, he “contributed to the growth of our studio business and the success of our theatrical slate with local movies like Simone, the incredible successful feature film about Simone Veil,” Zeiler wrote in his memo. “Earlier this year, he was key in the launch of the Warner Pass on Amazon’s Prime Video platform.”
Zeiler emphasized: “He is a rare example of a leader who combines exceptional commercial skills with a truly creative mindset. His focus on the necessities of today and the knowledge of the needs of tomorrow means he never lost sight of the long-term view of our business. Pierre’s inclusive leadership style earned him the respect of all employees who have worked in his team. There is no doubt that we will miss him as a leader, but also as a great human being.”
The WBD international president also noted that Branco has agreed to stay with the company until its new international structure has been finalized.
“My 17 years at WBD have been ones of immense pride and satisfaction, affording me the privilege of working on the best brands and content in the business, collaborating with incredible colleagues and partners across the globe and leading the most passionate and committed teams from Paris and London across very diverse markets,” said Branco. “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 (a) 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.”
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