Gillian Zhao has been named the executive vp and managing director of Warner Bros. China.
Zhao is the studio's first-ever country manager in China. In her new position she will oversee all aspects of Warner Bros. business in the country, including theatrical distribution, television distribution, home entertainment, consumer products and games.
Warner Bros. Chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara made the announcement, adding, “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.”
Zhao will report to the Burbank-based studio's executive vp international, Richard Fox.
“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.”
Prior to joining Warner Bros., Zhao worked for two decades in the tech industry in China, which included time at Apple China, Microsoft China, IBM China and a 10-year stint at China Hewlett Packard Co. She then went on to work in the country's entertainment sector at Bona Film Group and Celestial Entertainment China
Most recently, Zhao served as the senior assistant to the president of Wanda Culture Group and CEO of Wanda Pictures, during which time the company grew into China’s top privately owned film company, which acquired Legendary Pictures in January for what was announced as a $3.5 billion deal.
On her new position Zhao said in a statement, “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.”
Source: The Hollywood Reporter by Mia Galuppo