WarnerMedia taps development head for streaming service

WarnerMedia has tapped Otter Media CEO Tony Goncalves to lead the development of its forthcoming streaming service. 

Goncalves will continue to oversee the WarnerMedia-backed Otter Media — a digital media firm that owns anime streamer CrunchyRoll and has majority stakes in Gunpowder and Sky and Rooster Teeth. He will report into Bob Greenblatt, chairman of WarnerMedia Entertainment and direct-to-consumer.

Tony Goncalves

Meanwhile, COO Andy Forssell will move into the role of EVP and general manager of the new WarnerMedia streaming service, reporting into Goncalves.

Forssell previously served as CEO of Hulu, with his expertise in direct-to-consumer services likely coming into play in this decision.

Kevin Reilly, president of TBS, TNT and TruTV and chief content officer of direct-to-consumer, will remain in that position, now reporting into Greenblatt.

The exec rejig also sees the departure of Brad Bentley, who was serving as GM of the WarnerMedia streaming service.

John Stankey, CEO of WarnerMedia, said: “As we continue to build out our new streaming business and realign WarnerMedia functions, this step will facilitate further scale and focus in our efforts to offer customers an engaging and compelling product experience.

“I’m confident that with Tony and Andy leading our product and operations, Kevin and HBO’s Casey Bloys guiding our content strategy, and with Bob at the helm, we have a formidable team creating a curated streaming service with a winning combination of content and features. I also want to thank Brad for his leadership in bringing the project to this point in record time.”

Greenblatt added: “The thriving Otter Media businesses are important to this company and I’m happy to welcome Tony and Andy to our direct-to-consumer team.

“This group’s expertise will be invaluable to our new streaming service as we aim to bring content from the best storytellers in the world to an audience that expects the highest quality digital experience.”