WB Appoints First Female CEO

WarnerMedia has announced the appointment of Ann Sarnoff as the new chair and chief executive officer of Warner Bros.

Sarnoff brings more than 30 years of business and media experience to the role. She will oversee worldwide operations at Warner Bros. including the production, marketing and distribution of film, television and interactive entertainment.

“I am delighted Ann is joining the WarnerMedia team and excited to work side by side with such a talented and accomplished individual,” says John Stankey, chief executive officer, WarnerMedia. “She brings a consistent and proven track record of innovation, creativity and business results to lead an incredibly successful studio to its next chapter of growth. Ann has shown the ability to innovate and grow revenues and has embraced the evolution taking place in our industry. I am confident she will be a great cultural fit for WarnerMedia and that our employees will embrace her leadership, enthusiasm and passion for our business.”

Sarnoff comes to the role at Warner Bros. having worked across the entertainment industry with companies including Viacom, NBA, BBC, Dow Jones and BBC Studios Americas. She will officially join Warner Bros. in her new role later this summer. Sarnoff is Warner Bros.’ first-ever female chief executive officer.

“It is a privilege to join a studio with such a storied history,” says Sarnoff. “Warner Bros. has been an industry leader for decades and is known for creating many of the most iconic film, television and gaming properties. I accept this position excited by the opportunity to work with the most accomplished executives and teams in media, and confident about carrying this incredible heritage forward with them.”

Since 2015, Sarnoff led BBC Studios America as chief executive officer. She had also previously worked at the company as chief operating officer.