The entertainment industry is undergoing a significant shift, with finance executives increasingly taking over from Hollywood veterans. This trend is evident in recent announcements, such as Warner Bros. Discovery’s plan to split into two public companies next year. The change reflects the industry’s focus on stemming cable TV losses and making streaming profitable.
Analysts attribute this shift to Netflix’s disruption of traditional media. The company’s emphasis on financial management and growth has led to a reevaluation of creative programmers’ roles. As a result, executives with finance backgrounds are being promoted to lead companies like Netflix, which is reporting its quarterly earnings next week.
Industry experts point out that companies like Comcast and Charter Communications are also adopting this approach. In these cases, CFOs have been tapped for CEO roles, showcasing the growing importance of financial expertise in media leadership.
The trend has implications for companies like Disney, which is expected to announce a new CEO soon. The board is narrowing down potential candidates, with some considering finance experts due to their experience in managing budgets and driving growth. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that financial acumen will play an increasingly important role in shaping its future.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/16/media-shifts-new-crop-of-leaders.html