After 25 years of service with Warner Bros Discovery, Robert Blair, the President of International TV Distribution, is departing the company. The news of his departure was announced by Gerhard Zeiler, the President of International at Warner Bros Discovery, in an internal memo obtained by Deadline. Zeiler mentioned that, after careful consideration, Blair’s position will not be filled by a replacement.
As part of the transition, Blair will be working closely with Zeiler over the summer to support and empower Warner Bros Discovery’s content licensing team. According to Zeiler, this move is considered a necessary structural change for the team, aiming to create a more streamlined and efficient Content Licensing organization.
“In the previous year, we introduced a new organizational structure for our International division, which we believed would position us for success at that time,” stated Zeiler. “However, we also acknowledged the need to continuously adapt in the ever-changing industry and market landscape around us.”
“As we find ourselves seven months into 2023, we remain confident in our business trajectory. However, we are currently facing another pivotal moment, with the global economy rebounding at a slower pace than anticipated.”
“Due to these circumstances, it is with regret that I announce the departure of Robert Blair, who served as President of WBD International TV Distribution at Warner Bros Discovery.”
Blair has been an integral part of WBD and its predecessors for a remarkable twenty-five years. During his tenure, he has overseen the international sales strategy for major titles like Game of Thrones, The Flash, and House of the Dragon. His journey with Warner Bros International Television Distribution began in 1998 as General Manager, Canadian Operations, and he later assumed the role of Director of Television at PolyGram Filmed Entertainment.
In 2019, Blair was promoted to lead WarnerMedia’s international sales division under the guidance of worldwide distribution boss Jeffrey Schlesinger. Despite the challenges brought on by the Discovery merger and the subsequent restructuring last year, Blair retained his position. It’s worth noting that Schlesinger departed in 2020.
Zeiler clarified that Blair’s departure should not be interpreted as a reflection of his performance; rather, it is a strategic decision to further enhance efficiency and optimize the company’s cost structure.
In expressing his gratitude, Zeiler praised Blair’s exceptional leadership, talent, and dedication, acknowledging the substantial impact he made during his 25-year tenure. Blair’s contributions translated into billions of dollars worth of sales contracts secured each year, a testament to his prowess as a skilled negotiator. Additionally, Blair’s respect among clients and his mentoring of talents within the company earned him admiration and appreciation from his team.
Drawing from his own experience, Zeiler reflects on the fact that he had been on the opposite side of the table from Blair in the past. During his tenure as the head of RTL, which was a significant purchaser of Warner content while he led the European networks group, Zeiler had encountered Blair in negotiations.
