In a surprising move, Jon Steinlauf, head of advertising sales at Warner Bros. Discovery, will be leaving the company later this year.
Bruce Campbell, WBD’s chief revenue and strategy officer, announced on Friday Steinlauf’s impending departure, telling staff: “I have news that may come as a surprise to many of you that I would like to share.” spoke.
“John is one of the most respected and well-known advertising sales executives in the industry, and has had a distinguished career here at WBD through major mergers, changes and industry shifts,” Campbell said in announcing his resignation. Added later. “He has been a critical part of the company’s leadership, and David and I have relied on him for many years.”
WBD is currently searching for Mr. Steinlauf’s replacement, and the executive will remain in his position for the time being until a new head of advertising sales is found.
“For the past 32 years, I have had the opportunity to represent this incredible portfolio of brands at Turner, Scripps, Discovery, and now WBD. I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given. This is the perfect time to start a new chapter both personally and professionally,” Steinlauf wrote to staff. “Looking back at my early days at ESPN and the birth of cable, it’s incredible to see how the business has grown and transformed.”
Mr. Steinlauf is leaving the company as the television business is at a critical juncture. In recent years, streaming video platforms (including WBD’s Max) have all focused on advertising to offset the decline in linear TV. However, Steinlauf and WBD have long advocated the value of linear. But given the state of the industry, it’s clear that most of the ad dollars will end up going to streaming.
