Warner Bros. Discovery Shakes Up Consumer Products Division (EXCLUSIVE)
Warner Bros. Discovery will overhaul the executive structure of its global consumer products and franchises division, the unit that oversees the management of its intellectual property as well as DC Comics.
Pam Lifford, president of the group, is stepping down to focus on a family member’s healthcare needs, the company said Wednesday, and Bruce Campbell, Warner’s chief revenue and strategy officer, who has oversight of the division, will have new direct reports. Robert Oberschelp. who has been head of the consumer products business in North America. will become the new head of the division, and will report to Campbell.
More from Variety
Lifford, who joined the company in 2016, informed staffers of her decision Wednesday. “I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together,” she said. “Today, the group is poised to take all of this forward with the new leadership across the studio and company. You will soar and make WBD unrivaled in the industry.”
Lifford has “brought tremendous value and thought leadership to the company over the years, and while we wish she were staying on, we understand and appreciate the commitment to family first,” Campbell said. “She put a tremendous team in place, and I look forward to what we will do together.”
Campbell will recruit a new global head of franchise who will work closely with Campbell and the senior creative leadership team at WBD. The new executive “will be responsible for developing the Company’s global IP portfolio across all businesses at WBD, working closely with the respective leadership of Film, Television, Games, and others,” Warner said in a statement.
Preston Kevin Lewis, head of consumer products for Latin America and retail management for the Americas, will add responsibility for North America Consumer Products as well, reporting to Oberschelp.
Meanwhile, Julian Moon, head of consumer products for EMEA and Asia Pacific, announced he will retire in 2024 after 33 years at the company. In the coming months, he will report to Oberschelp and work with him and WBD leadership on succession plans.
Peter van Roden, head of global themed entertainment, will continue in his role leading licensed location-based entertainment, theme parks, and in-person experiences businesses. His team manages the strategic partnership with Universal Destinations & Experiences for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” and oversees Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and The WB Abu Dhabi, as well as global experiences inspired by the Wizarding World, DC, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, “Game of Thrones,” “Friends” and more.
The executive changes will be effective as of Nov. 27.
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
