Warner Bros. Discovery is restructuring its Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences — overseeing worldwide consumer products, themed entertainment, franchise management and DC Comics businesses – following the departure of the division’s president Pam Gifford.
Gifford is stepping back from her role to focus on a family member’s healthcare needs, the company said. She had reported to Bruce Campbell, WBD’s chief revenue and strategy officer, and her direct reports will now report to him.
That includes Robert Oberschelp, currently head of North America consumer products, who is being promoted to head of Global Consumer Products.
Preston Kevin Lewis, Head of Consumer Products for Latin America and Retail Management for the Americas is adding responsibility for North America Consumer Products as well, reporting to Oberschelp.
Peter van Roden, Head of Global Themed Entertainment, will continue in his role leading the licensed location-based entertainment, theme parks, and in-person experiences businesses.
And Julian Moon, Head of Consumer Products for EMEA and Asia Pacific, announced his retirement 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.
Campbell also announced that he will be recruiting a new Global Head of Franchise to work closely with himself and the senior creative leadership team across film, TV and games overseeing the development of the company’s global IP portfolio across all businesses.
Lifford joined Warner Bros. in 2016 as President of Consumer Products and is credited with developing the organization into a global, franchise-based business while increasing revenues five-fold during that time. She announced her decision to step back and focus on her family at a meeting in Burbank.
“When I joined the company back in 2016, we set out on a mission to transform the division and how WB thought about fans. Today, our team owns franchises, products, in-person experiences, DC, and keeps our global consumers engaged in our IP 24/7. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together,” she said.
Said Campbell: “Pam is an extraordinary leader and unique in the entertainment industry. She’s 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. She put a tremendous team in place, and I look forward to what we will do together.”