The changes were made following Pam Lifford's decision to step down from her role as president of Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences.
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has announced a new global structure for its Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences (GBFE) division. The division comprises WBD’s worldwide consumer products, themed entertainment, franchise management and development, and DC Comics businesses. The announcement was made by Bruce Campbell, WBD’s chief revenue and strategy officer.
The changes will be effective from November 27, 2023, and were made following Pam Lifford’s decision to step down from her role as president of Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences.
Robert Oberschelp will become the new head of global consumer products. Oberschelp leads North America consumer products for WBD and is a veteran of licensing industry. He has over 30 years in the industry including time at NBCUniversal, The Walt Disney Company, Williams-Sonoma, and Quicksilver.
Preston Kevin Lewis, 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 Oberschelp.
Julian Moon, head of consumer products for EMEA and Asia Pacific, announced his retirement in 2024 after 33 years at the company. In the coming months, he will report to Oberschelp and work with him and WBD leadership on succession plans.
Peter van Roden, 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.
Campbell also announced he will recruit a new global head of franchise who will work closely with Campbell and the senior creative leadership team at WBD. This new leader will be responsible for developing the company’s global IP portfolio across all businesses at WBD, working closely with the respective leadership of film, television, games, and others.
