The home of “Wonder Woman” will, fittingly, soon have a female CEO. BBC Studios Americas president Ann Sarnoff has been named Warner Bros.’ next CEO, Variety reports. When she takes her post later this summer, she’ll become “the first woman to head Warner Bros. in its nearly 100-year history.” Sarnoff’s new job will make her one of the highest-ranking female film execs to date.
“It is a privilege to join a studio with such a storied history. Warner Bros. has been an industry leader for decades and is known for creating many of the most iconic film, television, and gaming properties,” Sarnoff said. “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.”
Sarnoff’s new role will involve overseeing one of the largest production operations in the entertainment industry, one that develops film, television, digital media, video games, and consumer products. She will replace former chairman-CEO Kevin Tsujihara, who was forced to resign earlier this year after Warner Bros.’ parent company, WarnerMedia, conducted an investigation into his alleged sexual misconduct.
Previously, Sarnoff held positions at Dow Jones, the WNBA, and Viacom. She became COO at what was then known as BBC Worldwide in 2010 and eventually led its global production network.
“I am delighted Ann is joining the WarnerMedia team and excited to work side by side with such a talented and accomplished individual. She brings a consistent and proven track record of innovation, creativity, and business results to lead an incredibly successful studio to its next chapter of growth,” stated WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey, whom Sarnoff will report to. “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.”
Warner Bros.’ upcoming film slate includes Andrea Berloff’s women-led crime drama “The Kitchen,” Gurinder Chadha’s Sundance hit “Blinded By the Light,” Cathy Yan’s “Suicide Squad” spinoff “Birds of Prey,” and Patty Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman 1984.”