Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the appointment of former WPP executive Jennifer Remling as the new Chief People and Culture Officer at the Hollywood studio. Remling will be taking over from Adria Alpert Romm, who had announced her plans to retire in June 2023. Romm had been a long-time advisor to WBD CEO David Zaslav.
Zaslav expressed his gratitude for Romm’s contributions, stating, “I have been incredibly fortunate to have Adria by my side for more than 30 years as one of my closest advisors.” Romm, who has held human resources positions at NBCUniversal, Discovery, and Warner Bros. Discovery, will be succeeded by Remling, who will join the company in January 2024. Remling will report directly to the CEO.
Recognizing the challenge of filling Romm’s shoes, Zaslav acknowledged Remling’s exceptional talent and great reputation. Having led large-scale HR teams in support of global organizations with tens of thousands of employees, Remling’s impressive track record at WPP demonstrates her commitment to employee development and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. She also has a strong commitment to creating a positive and nurturing work environment. Zaslav expressed his excitement about having Remling join the leadership team.
The formation of Warner Bros. Discovery through the merger of AT&T’s WarnerMedia unit and Discovery called for significant post-merger cost-cutting measures. These included employee layoffs and reducing overall content spending at the studio. With Remling’s extensive experience in HR roles at WPP, GroupM, Essence, and R/GA, she is well-equipped to address the challenges and support the studio’s strategic goals.
Remling’s appointment reflects Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to strengthening its human resources function and creating an inclusive and positive workplace environment. This move highlights the importance of effective HR leadership in driving organizational success and empowering employees to thrive. By bringing in a seasoned executive like Remling, the studio aims to ensure that its workforce continues to be supported and engaged.
As Chief People and Culture Officer, Remling will play a crucial role in developing HR strategies that align with Warner Bros. Discovery’s overall business objectives. Her expertise in leading large-scale HR teams and implementing DEI initiatives will be instrumental in fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. Furthermore, Remling’s focus on employee development will contribute to the studio’s efforts in attracting and retaining top talent.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to employee development and creating a positive workplace environment aligns with broader industry trends. In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on corporate culture, employee well-being, and diversity in many organizations. Recognizing the value of a motivated and engaged workforce, companies are investing in HR functions to drive employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall business performance.
The appointment of Jennifer Remling as the Chief People and Culture Officer at Warner Bros. Discovery marks a significant milestone for the studio. Remling’s extensive experience, leadership skills, and commitment to employee development and DEI initiatives make her well-suited for this role. With her guidance, the studio hopes to continue fostering a positive and inclusive work environment while achieving its strategic goals. Through effective HR leadership, Warner Bros. Discovery aims to support its employees and drive the company’s success in the evolving entertainment industry.
