Nathaniel Brown to Exit as Warner Bros. Discovery Corporate Comms Chief
Warner Bros. Discovery’s corporate comms chief Nathaniel Brown is set to depart the company.
The executive has been in the role since May 2022, leading WBD’s global communications and media relations team following the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc. He previously held the lead spokesperson role for Discovery as EVP of global communications.
Prior to joining Discovery in 2019, Brown spent over six years as senior vice president of corporate communications at 21st Century Fox. Before that, he served as SVP of corporate comms at MTV Networks and XM Satellite Radio and VP of corporate comms at Sony BMG.
“I realize there is never a perfect or easy time to make such a transition, but the start of the new year feels as good as any. These last several years have been fast and unforgettable. I joined Discovery in 2019 after a great run at 21st Century Fox, culminating in 21CF’s sale to Disney. Since then, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work alongside DZ as part of his leadership team and it has been an extraordinary ride, particularly these last few years as DZ has architected Discovery’s acquisition of WarnerMedia and established Warner Bros. Discovery,” Brown wrote in a memo to staff on Friday. “The team has worked tirelessly to launch the new company and restructure it for the future. It has been a phenomenal experience, and I will be forever grateful to DZ and the many colleagues across WBD for their support, collaboration and friendship.”
In a separate memo to staff, WBD CEO David Zaslav said Brown is “hugely talented” and “one of the absolute best in the business.”
“I have been incredibly fortunate to have him by my side during one of the most pivotal and transformative periods for our industry. Since joining us in 2019 following an accomplished tenure at 21st Century Fox, he has been a tireless and formidable advocate for the company and for me. Among his many accomplishments, he played a critical role in positioning Discovery to acquire WarnerMedia and has continued to skillfully navigate a wide range of cross currents through the creation and restructuring of WBD,” Zaslav continued.
“Over the years, Nathaniel has built highly capable, cohesive teams and earned the well- deserved respect and admiration of leaders and colleagues at every level of the organization for his collaborative approach and expertise. At the same time, he has cultivated strong relationships with members of the press across the entire media landscape. Needless to say, we greatly appreciate Nathaniel’s extraordinary efforts and dedication and wish him the very best and continued success.”
Brown said that he would take some time off with plans to travel and spend time with his family and friends before looking for his next role.
He will transition out of his role over the next month, with an internal and external search for his replacement underway. In the interim, Laura Watson will oversee corporate communications, while Katie Martin will assist with corporate press inquiries.
“As I said, this is a fantastic team and I am confident you will continue to support them and one another through this next phase,” Brown’s memo concluded. “Thank you for everything – I will always treasure the many great memories we share and look forward to our paths crossing again in the not-too-distant future. Until then, know that I will be rooting you on from the stands as your biggest fan and wish you all the very best.”
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