Josh Berger to Depart WarnerMedia, Polly Cochrane Promoted

Josh Berger, president and managing director of Warner Bros. UK, Ireland and Spain and president of Harry Potter global franchise development, is leaving the company, with Polly Cochrane promoted to country manager for WarnerMedia UK and Ireland.

Berger will step down in December, after more than 30 years of service, and will remain as an advisor to the senior management until the middle of 2021 for the Harry Potter franchise in his capacity as an executive producer on the third installment of the Fantastic Beasts film series and upcoming BBC documentary Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History, among other projects.

Cochrane will now be overseeing all commercial and group marketing activities in the region and will report directly to Priya Dogra, recently announced as head of WarnerMedia EMEA & Asia (excluding China). Cochrane has been with WarnerMedia for 11 years and most recently served as executive VP and group marketing director of Warner Bros. UK and Ireland and chief marketing officer of Harry Potter global franchise development.

Gerhard Zeiler, head of international at WarnerMedia, said: “Josh is one of the most respected people in the industry. He has been integral to the ongoing success of our Warner Bros. businesses in the U.K., Ireland and Spain, and has been an incredible steward to the Harry Potter franchise. He was also the first Warner Bros. country manager, pioneering the model which shapes the international organization today. It is fair to say, that thanks to his leadership and energy our company is for sure better off today. I respect his desire to take on new challenges and, along with all of our colleagues across the company, wish him the very best.”

“There’s nothing more amazing than seeing stories being brought to life on screen,” said Berger. “Over the last 31 years at Warner Bros., I’ve been lucky to see every part of that process in action. I’ve seen ideas being formed and deals being struck, magic being made in front of the camera and behind it, and stories being told from—and sent to—all corners of the earth. I’m so grateful to all my colleagues for making this place feel like home for so long and wish them all the best for the future.”

Dogra commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Polly to my leadership team. Polly brings a strong and inclusive leadership style, combined with a proven innovative approach to driving our beloved brands and franchises. As she takes on this broader set of responsibilities, our business will benefit from her wealth of experience in the U.K. media sector. I’m looking forward to tapping into the fresh thinking she will bring to the table.”