Warner Bros. Hires Ann Sarnoff As Its 1st Female CEO

BURBANK, CA -- WarnerMedia on June 24 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.

In her new role, Sarnoff will oversee worldwide operations at Warner Bros. including the production, marketing and distribution of film, television and interactive entertainment.

``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.''

``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. "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 Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Dow Jones.

She takes the place of former Warner Bros. chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara, who resigned in March 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.

City News Service contributed to this report.