WarnerMedia Monday named BBC Studios Americas president Ann Sarnoff as the new CEO of Warner Bros., making her the first woman to lead the company in its 96-year history.
“It is a privilege to join a studio with such a storied history,” Sarnoff said. “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.”
“I am delighted Ann is joining the WarnerMedia team and excited to work side by side with such a talented and accomplished individual,” WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey said. “…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.”
Before her stint at the BBC, Sarnoff also worked for Viacom, the National Basketball Association and Dow Jones.
In her new role, Sarnoff will oversee worldwide operations at Warner Bros. including the production, marketing and distribution of film, television and interactive entertainment.
Former Warner Bros. chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara resigned earlier this year amid an investigation into allegations that he used his influence at the studio to get work for a young actress with whom he was having an affair.