WarnerMedia has announced today that Kevin Tsujihara is officially stepping down as the CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment.
According to The Wrap, the decision for Tsujihara’s resignation was made in conjunction with John Stankey, CEO of WarnerMedia. This departure stems from the current investigation of Tsujihara and the relationship he had with actress Charlotte Kirk. This investigation is based on a series of texts recently made public by The Hollywood Reporter, exposing Kirk asking for help with getting acting opportunities during their sexual relationship. This scandal comes not long after other prominent executives at WarnerMedia exited, such as Richard Plepler from HBO, due to a reorganization of the company after AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner.
Stankey has since spoken up about this exit, stating that:
“It is in the best interest of WarnerMedia, Warner Bros., our employees and our partners for Kevin to step down as Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros.,” Stankey said. “Kevin has contributed greatly to the studio’s success over the past 25 years and for that we thank him. Kevin acknowledges that his mistakes are inconsistent with the Company’s leadership expectations and could impact the Company’s ability to execute going forward.”
In addition to his statement to The Wrap, Stankey also sent a memo to the staff:
“It was a decision made with the best, long-term interests of the Company, our employees and our partners in mind. Kevin has acknowledged that his mistakes are inconsistent with the Company’s leadership expectations and could impact the Company’s ability to execute going forward.”
Though it is still unclear how this sudden change in leadership will affect Warner properties, including DC Comics, it can be safe to assume that a shift in the company’s future plans could be a result of new leadership. As of now, WarnerMedia has not announced a successor to Tsujihara.
How do you think this shake-up in corporate leadership will affect the Worlds of DC? Discuss in the comments below!
