Pierre Branco joins exodus from senior team at Warner Bros Discovery Europe
Pierre Branco is the latest senior executive to leave Warner Bros Discovery in Europe, stepping down from his role as exec VP and general manager for France, Benelux and Africa after 17 years with the company.
Branco only took up his latest position at WBD just over a year ago and his senior management team was named in September last year.
In a memo to staff today he said: “The time feels right now to move to a new chapter and I am excited for the new challenges and fresh adventures ahead.”
Having joined Turner in 2006, Branco held roles across EMEA, including leading Turner’s TV and digital business in France, UK, northern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, where he launched new 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 all wholesale distribution contracts when HBO Max was launched in the region.
Branco said: “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.
“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.”
It continues a year of upheaval for WBD in the region, with a series of departures from the group led by international president Gerhard Zeiler.
International TV distribution president Robert Blair stepped down after 25 years in July, swiftly followed by the high-profile departure of president and MD for EMEA Priya Dogra after 14 years.
More recently, Hannes Heyelmann, exec VP and general manager for Germany, Switzerland and Austria, announced he too would be departing.
WBD said Branco is staying on in his role until a new international structure is finalised.
Zeiler said: “Pierre 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.”
