Exclusive: Deadline has learned that Blair Rich will step down at the end of the year as chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, worldwide marketing and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Rich is a highly respected exec in the marketing space with strong filmmaker relationships. He has held top marketing titles since January, 2018, but has spent his entire 23-year career at Warner Bros. I understand that getting out is not hard. She wanted a change, and it seemed like the right time because she has moved on from so many executives who grew up there. She tells her staff that you read this.
I confirmed with Warner Bros. and the deadline was given the following statements:
“Spending the first chapter of my career at Warner Bros. has been my greatest honor, but after 23 years it’s time to do something new,” Rich said. “I am grateful to have worked with so many brilliant executives and a wealth of amazing filmmakers and actors who have enthusiastically propelled this job into the business of connecting global audiences with their remarkable scenes and stories. In any case, leading the most talented marketing team in the business has been the biggest privilege, and I know there is no limit to what they can achieve in the future. “
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Toby Americh, chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, said: “Blair scored an amazing run during his tenure at Warner Bros., creating and implementing unique, exciting and award-winning campaigns. Much respected. Blair has built a great team, and set a standard of excellence that will continue to be his legacy here. . “
Rich Gate came out after getting a top job with fantasy campaigns for Warner Bros. hits, including the best picture nominee. A star is born, And Crazy rich Asian. She oversaw the campaign for other successes in which JOker, It, Inception, The Dark Knight Trilogy, And the Harry Potter franchise, just to name a few.
Deadline received an internal memo, Rich wrote to his colleagues:
Staff memo from Blair:
Twenty-three years ago, at the age of 22, I moved into Glass Building as a marketing trainee in International Theatrical Marketing. Of course, I already thought I got an intern at Jeff Goldstein’s Western distribution branch at the age of 18, then came a lot of stents in London’s European marketing office fees. I was ready to take on the world! I remember sitting in my cubicle making my own stationery that simply said “marketing” as my title saying no one would take me seriously if I had the “trainee” label.
The rest is history.
After over 450 campaigns, a few things come out:
I am surrounded and supported by the best executives in the business, and I deeply appreciate their leadership, partnership and collaboration.
I can’t believe how lucky I am to work with so many amazing and brilliant artists of our day. My passion for filmmakers and their artistry is immense. I have always admired the responsibility they have given me to translate their vision, years of production to the audience. The leap of faith and trust that is humble is humble and will never be lost on me. They have shaped my worldview, taught me to take bold, bold risks, and encouraged me to be fearless in my belief in the power of storytelling.
I am proud to lead the most dynamic, talented marketing team in the business. Together we saw limitations, shattered records and a little big dream. You are all exceptional and I will always be your biggest fan, your loudest cheerleader and have true faith in what you can achieve. As the business evolves, be steadfast in knowing that you have the unceasing potential for unparalleled creativity to craft unparalleled strategy and innovation, and to make the world stand still and take noticeable cultural moments. Your ability to connect with the audience is unlimited.
On a more personal note, I absolutely love you all, and I am so grateful for your faith in this journey. You are extraordinary, and my belief in all of you is infinite.
It’s been a great Odyssey, and I can’t wait for the next adventure.
With love and gratitude,
Blair
***
Earlier this week came the news that WW co-president JP Richards and animation and family EVP Jim Gallagher would be leaving in February to restructure Warnermedia.
Rich Warner Bros. Pictures Group oversees the global creative advertising, publicity, media, global digital, global promotion, worldwide research and titles produced by multi-cultural groups, Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema, as well as studios. Various production partners and films released on HBOmax. It also oversees home entertainment marketing operations.
Rich’s previous posts have been President of Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures, and before that Executive Vice President of Worldwide Marketing. He was also senior vice president of marketing and creative advertising for the studio’s international film division, having previously served as vice president. Georgetown U Grade Warner Bros. Joined Pictures International as a marketing trainee and moved on from that rank.
Rich is the daughter of the late TV mogul Lee Rich, who ran Lorimar Television and later won Emmy for MGM / UA, and production. Waltons.
