Blair Rich is leaving Warner Bros.

1:50 p.m. PST 11/13/2020

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Tatiana Siegel

The studio’s global marketing president, who began her 23-year career at the studio as a marketing intern, has held the division’s first position since 2016.

Blair Rich is stepping down as head of Warner Bros. ‘marketing division.

The move comes amid the new coronavirus crisis that rocked Hollywood, with a number of studio tents dropping from 2020 to 2021. But even before the global pandemic shut down theaters across the globe, Warners had suffered a series of box office hiccups in which marketing was to blame.

Rich, who started her 23-year career at the studio as a marketing intern, has been President of Global Marketing at Warners since 2016. In that first role, she oversaw campaigns for megahits such as The Joker and Aquaman. She reported directly to Warners President Toby Emmerich and oversaw marketing campaigns for Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema releases.

“It has been my greatest honor to spend the first chapter of my career with Warner Bros., but after 23 years, it’s time for something new,” said Rich. “I am grateful to have worked with so many brilliant executives and cherish the amazing directors and artists who have fueled this work with passion in an effort to connect global audiences to their remarkable shows and stories. More than anything, lead the team. The most talented marketer in the business has been the greatest privilege, and I know there is no limit to what they will continue to accomplish in the future. “

Emmerich added, “Blair has had an incredible run during her tenure at Warner Bros. creating and executing a multitude of unique, compelling and award-winning campaigns. She is a thoughtful leader who is highly respected by her staff, peers and filmmakers. Blair has built a formidable team and set a standard of excellence that will continue as his legacy here. We understand and support his desire to expand his horizons and wish him the best in what will undoubtedly be an exciting next step. “

Rich’s departure follows a string of box office hiccups for Warners over the past year with disappointing performances for the standalone DC led by Margot Robbie Birds of prey, Clint Eastwood’s Richard jewell, Just mercy with Michael B. Jordan, Edward Norton’s Motherless Brooklyn and the Ansel Elgort-led The goldfinch. The big exception was Todd Phillips’ Joker, who has won over $ 1 billion worldwide and won two Oscars, including Best Actor for Joaquin Phoenix.

During his time at Warners, Rich worked on several DC films, the Fantastic beasts franchise, Lego movie series, Crazy Rich Asians, A star is born and Conspiracy universe.

The news comes a year after Emmerich extended her contract as chairman of the Warners film group, while Carolyn Blackwood was promoted to the new role of COO, where she oversees the day-to-day operations of the film studio as well as New Line. Cinema. and Warners’ live stage division, Warner Bros. Theater Ventures.

It’s unclear who will fill the void left by Rich’s departure. JP Richards, who reported to Rich, was the top executive in Warners’ marketing division. But it was part of this week’s layoffs announced by WarnerMedia.