Former Netflix Executive Joins Warner Bros. Discovery as Global CMO of Direct-to-Consumer

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has tapped a new head of marketing, in an effort to propel its subscription growth across its streaming platforms.
On Aug. 27, the company announced Shauna Spenley will be joining as global chief marketing officer of direct-to-consumer, taking over for Patrizio (Pato) Spagnoletto on Sep. 3.
Spenley, a former longtime Netflix marketing executive, will oversee the global streaming marketing organization, specifically for Max and Discovery+.
Her role includes a wide array of responsibilities in branding and content marketing, subscriber retention and engagement, marketing science, research, and media.
Spenley will report to JB Perrette, the CEO and president of global streaming and games at Warner Bros., and expressed her excitement for the role.
“I cannot wait to jump in and get to work with JB, Casey and the marketing group. I believe we are incredibly positioned to ride the recent momentum of Max and grow it to be a top global streamer,” she said.
Most recently, Spenley served as president of entertainment at Riot Games after joining the company in 2021. She was in charge of the studio’s expansion into film, television, and music as well as overseeing its IP strategy and consumer products.
Prior to her position at Riot, she was vice president of marketing and publicity at Netflix for 15 years and held a number of senior leadership roles.
In response, Perrette highlighted Spenley’s expertise and achievements, saying she will make a great asset to the WBD team.
“We are so fortunate to be able to bring in a talent of Shauna’s caliber and it says a lot about our achievements, our assets and team, and opportunity ahead of us that she can’t wait to join our One WBD Team,” Perrette said.
“I have the utmost confidence in Shauna and this entire team to deliver outstanding results as we move forward together.”
Spagnoletto will remain with the company through the fall to assist in its transition after playing a major role in spearheading Max’s original market strategy.
“I cannot say enough about Pato’s innumerable contributions both at Warner Bros. Discovery and Discovery before that. I feel that I can speak for everyone in saying that we will miss his strategic and operational expertise, innovative spirit and inspiring leadership,” Perrette said on Spagnoletto’s tenure.
Spagnoletto brought the streaming platforms to market in the U.S., Latin American, and European markets, with more launches planned in additional territories, including Asia.
“I could not have asked for a better partner in getting Discovery+ and then Max off the ground, helping us navigate this crucial, initial launch and growth phase across the world,” Perrette said.
Spenley is set to work closely with other WBD divisions, but with U.S. networks and international teams in particular to leverage the company’s assets.
The Epoch Times reached out to Warner Bros. Discovery for comment but didn’t receive a reply by publication time.
Max and Discovery+ combine streaming a number of popular channels and Discovery TV brands such as HGTV, the Food Network, TLC, Magnolia Network, and others.