Robert Greenblatt

Source: BANFF

Robert Greenblatt

Continuing the shake-up of its TV operations, WarnerMedia has confirmed the appointment of former NBC Entertainment chief Bob Greenblatt to a new post overseeing HBO, the company’s upcoming streaming service and other assets.

Greenblatt becomes chairman of WarnerMedia Entertainment and Direct-to-Consumer, which will include premium cable flagship network HBO, cable networks TNT, TBS and truTV and the media giant’s direct-to-consumer business. 

In a press release, WarnerMedia said the reorganisation would “provide the company with the agility and flexibility needed to build WarnerMedia’s brands across a variety of evolving distribution models with a more coordinated approach to the company’s original programming.”

The appointment of Greenblatt, who was also president of entertainment at HBO rival Showtime from 2003 to 2010, follows last week’s news that HBO chairman and CEO Richard Plepler would be leaving the premium cable network after 27 years.

Greenblatt’s recruitment is part of a wider reorganisation that WarnerMedia said is designed to “accelerate the investment in and development of content.”

The reorganisation also sees CNN worldwide president Jeff Zucker becoming chairman of WarnerMedia News & Sports and president of CNN; Gerhard Zeiler being elevated from president of Turner International to WarnerMedia chief revenue officer; and Warner Bros chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara taking on additional responsibilities including a new global kids and young adults business.

The unit will bring together operations including Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang as well as Otter Media, Turner Classic Movies and licensed consumer products development for WarnerMedia properties.

Commenting on the reorganisation, WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey said: “We have done an amazing job establishing our brands as leaders in the hearts and minds of consumers. Adding Bob Greenblatt to the WarnerMedia family and expanding the leadership scope and responsibilities of Jeff, Kevin and Gerhard – who collectively have more than 80 years of global media experience and success – gives us the right management team to strategically position our leading portfolio of brands, world-class talent and rich library of intellectual property for future growth.”

Greenblatt added: “I’m honoured to be joining WarnerMedia during such an exciting time for the company and the industry as a whole, and I look forward to working alongside the many talented executives and team members across the company. WarnerMedia is home to some of the world’s most innovative, creative and successful brands and we’re in a unique position to foster even deeper connections with consumers. And it goes without saying I will always have a soft spot in my heart for HBO going back to the rewarding experience I had producing Alan Ball’s Six Feet Under.”