GBFE president Pam Lifford has confirmed her departure to focus on family, while longtime European consumer products head, Julian Moon, has announced his retirement.
Bruce Campbell, chief revenue and strategy officer at Warner Bros. Discovery, has confirmed a new global structure for Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences (GBFE) – the division that comprises WBD’s worldwide consumer products, themed entertainment, franchise management and development, and DC Comics businesses.
The changes were made following the decision of Pam Lifford, president of Global Brands, Franchises and Experiences to step back from her role to focus on her family member’s healthcare needs. Pam reports to Bruce (pictured far left), and the new leaders named will all be direct reports to him.
Robert Oberschelp (pictured second from left) will become the new head of global consumer products. Robert currently leads North America consumer products for WBD and is a well-respected licensing industry veteran. He has over 30 years in the industry including time at NBCUniversal, The Walt Disney Company, Williams-Sonoma and Quicksilver.
Preston Kevin Lewis (pictured second from right), head of consumer products for Latin America and retail management for the Americas will add responsibility for North America consumer products as well, reporting to Robert.
Julian Moon, head of consumer products for EMEA and Asia Pacific, will retire in 2024 after 33 years at the company. In the coming months, he will report to Robert and work with him and WBD leadership on succession plans.
Peter van Roden (pictured far right), head of global themed entertainment, will continue in his role leading the licensed location-based entertainment, theme parks and in-person experiences businesses. His team manages the strategic partnership with Universal Destinations & Experiences for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and oversees Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and The WB Abu Dhabi, as well as global experiences inspired by the Wizarding World, DC, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Game of Thrones, Friends and more.
A new global head of franchise will also be appointed, who will work closely with Bruce and the senior creative leadership team at WBD.
“When I joined the company back in 2016, we set out on a mission to transform the division and how WB thought about fans,” commented Pam, who has been credited with developing Warner Bros. into a global franchise-based business while increasing revenues 5-fold during her time at the company. “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.
“Today, the group is poised to take all of this forward with the new leadership across the studio and company. You will soar and make WBD unrivaled in the industry.”
Bruce continued: “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.”
The changes will be effective from 27 November.
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