Warner Bros. China Names Gillian Zhao as EVP & MD

BURBANK: Gillian Zhao, who previously held posts at Wanda Culture Group and Star TV, has been named executive VP and managing director of Warner Bros. China.

Zhao becomes the company’s first-ever country manager for China. She will have general oversight of all of Warner Bros.’ businesses in China, including theatrical distribution, TV distribution, home entertainment, consumer products, games and emerging distribution technologies. Zhao will report to and work with Richard Fox, Warner Bros.’ executive VP of international, to explore new opportunities and partnerships for the company.

Most recently, Zhao served as senior assistant to the president of Wanda Culture Group and CEO of Wanda Pictures. She also previously worked at Bona Film Group and Celestial Entertainment China, and has held senior executive posts at Star TV.

“Gillian is a multi-faceted executive with a great background across the entertainment and tech sectors in China,” said Kevin Tsujihara, the chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. “As we look to expand all of our businesses in China, Gillian’s know-how, experience and contacts will give us a competitive advantage. We’re pleased to welcome her to the Warner Bros. family and look forward to her leading our efforts in this market full of incredible opportunities and to continue to grow with the Chinese entertainment industry.”

“Gillian is well-known and well-respected in the Chinese entertainment business,” said Fox. “She’s a great addition to our team and will bring us a more market-oriented and localized approach. I can’t wait to start working with her.”

“The Warner Bros. name is synonymous with first-class entertainment, in China and around the world,” said Zhao. “I’m excited and honored to be named to this post and look forward to taking the company’s in-country operations to the next level. Warner Bros. has the brands, characters and films that resonate with and are so loved by Chinese audiences, so we have unlimited potential and opportunity in this high-growth market.”