Adrienne O’Hara has been appointed to head communications at Discovery Global.
O’Hara takes on the newly created role of EVP, chief communications and public affairs officer for the company as it prepares to become an independent, publicly traded organization following the planned separation from Warner Bros. She takes on the new role Jan. 7 and will report to Gunnar Wiedenfels, President and CEO of Discovery Global.
O’Hara has led communications strategy for Fortune 500 companies for 20 years of experience, including most recently serving as senior vice president of global communications and engagement at Gap Inc. since 2020. She previously served as head of communications at Old Navy. Earlier in her career, she spent more than a decade at Toys“R”Us, Inc. in senior communications roles.
“Adrienne is a proven leader with deep experience guiding iconic branded portfolios through transformation and change,” Wiedenfels said. “Her ability to translate strategy into clear, compelling narratives will be critical as we look to engage our investors, employees, partners and other stakeholders, building continued belief in Discovery Global’s incredible potential as a standalone company.”
Her appointment completes the leadership team for the new company led by Wiedenfels. The planned spinoff is expected to take place in Q3 2026, ahead of Netflix’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros. streaming and studio businesses. However, David Ellison and Paramount continue to offer bids for Warner Bros that could derail that agreement, if Warner Bros. eventually accepts.
The plan spinoff of Discovery Global is set to include CNN, as well as Discovery, TNT, TBS, OWN, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim.
“Discovery Global has an extraordinary portfolio of brands and a clear opportunity to redefine its market positioning, using communications to support growth and deepen cultural relevance,” O’Hara said. “I’m excited to partner with Gunnar and the entire global team to help shape the company’s narrative, elevate the employee experience, and increase brand impact as Discovery Global enters its next chapter.”
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