Deadline: Warner Bros Discovery ANZ Networks Chief Leaving Amid Newshub Layoffs

Story from Deadline:

Glen Kyne is exiting his role as Senior Vice President and Head of Networks at Warner Bros. Discovery Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) on July 5.

Juliet Peterson, current Senior Director of Content and BVOD, will lead the business as Vice President, Head of Networks, ANZ, and report to James Gibbons, President of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Asia Pacific business.

This leadership shuffle comes amid the impending closure of Newshub in New Zealand, where more than 300 jobs will go when the newsroom ceases operations in July.

Michael Brooks will continue in his dual role as MD of Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia, reporting to Ronald Goes, and Head of Studios, ANZ, reporting to Gibbons.

“Glen has done an incredible job of navigating industry disruption,” said Gibbons. “He has been a popular and calming leader; his leadership of the organisation through its recent restructure put empathy and kindness at the forefront, two attributes that everyone who has worked with Glen knows he has in spades.”

Kyne said: “It has been ten years now working at Flower St under different ownership structures but my love for our business, our people, and our industry has never been stronger. Being a part of Discovery and subsequently Warner Bros. Discovery, I was lucky enough to build a true global lens across our ANZ operations, and I’ve been honoured to have had many wonderful experiences here that I will never forget.

“It goes without saying that it’s been a particularly challenging year for our teams, but the grace and professionalism with which they’ve carried themselves is a true indication of the people and culture here. I want to thank all of our people, and especially the leadership team for their trust, patience and support of me to lead through these years. It’s been the highlight of my career.”

On her new appointment, Peterson said: “We have built a strong base for [smart TV app] ThreeNow in recent months, which has seen the platform achieve record engagement, which will continue to grow.

“I will also be looking across the whole ANZ business to evolve our portfolio in the Trans-Tasman market alongside our partners on both sides of the ditch. My focus is to grow these capabilities even further and continue to provide top-performing channels and platforms for the benefit of our partners and audiences in both markets.”