Li Haslett Chen to Leave Warner Bros. Discovery Board

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As a fervent observer of the dynamic world of media and technology, I find Li Haslett Chen’s decision to step down from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) board quite intriguing. Chen, a visionary who has masterfully navigated the digital landscape with her innovative retail media and social commerce platform, Howl, is now set to fully commit to her own brainchild.

Her three-year tenure at WBD, during which she provided invaluable insights and expertise, culminates at a pivotal moment for the studio as it restructures its corporate framework, hinting at a possible spinoff of its legacy TV assets.

Chen’s departure, while a loss for WBD, is undeniably a significant step forward for Howl, which is poised to embark on an exciting growth phase in 2025. One can only imagine the strategic partnerships and innovative platforms that await us from this retail media powerhouse.

In the spirit of light-heartedness, I’d like to add a jest: Who knew that stepping down from a Hollywood studio board could be as lucrative as launching a groundbreaking digital retail platform? Chen, you’ve got more than a silver screen up your sleeve!

Howl CEO Li Haslett Chen is stepping down from the board of directors at Warner Bros. Discovery.

On Monday, the Hollywood studio made public that Haslett Chen, appointed as an independent director and board member at WBD in April 2022, is leaving on January 31st. This departure might pave the way for a notable figure to join the WBD board next year.

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In a regulatory filing this week, it was announced that Haslett Chen, who became an independent director and board member at WBD in April 2022, is stepping down on January 31st. This departure could potentially lead to the addition of a prominent individual to the WBD board next year.

The company, headed by CEO David Zaslav at the Hollywood studio, has announced plans to reshape its business model, potentially dividing its traditional TV properties in a spinoff. Earlier this month, they declared their intention to reorganize their corporate structure, creating a distinct global linear TV sector apart from their streaming and production divisions.

Howl, a company specializing in retail media and social commerce across digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, was launched and is currently managed by Haslett Chen. She explained that her decision to leave WBD, where she had served for three years on the board, stemmed from a desire to concentrate more on her own business.

Last year, Howl has been forging strategic alliances with top-tier retail media networks and introducing an groundbreaking new system. With Howl embarking on a significant expansion phase in 2025, I’ve chosen to pour all my efforts into the company during this thrilling period,” Chen expressed in a statement, speaking as a dedicated gamer immersed in the dynamic world of Howl.

Samuel A. Di Piazza Jr., head of the WBD board, commended Haslett Chen for her upcoming accomplishments at the Hollywood studio.

Di Piazza stated, “Li has consistently shown remarkable involvement and commitment on our board, offering distinctive perspectives and extensive technical knowledge that have significantly contributed to our oversight of management’s strategic advancements. We extend our best wishes to Li as she embarks on new ventures.

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2024-12-31 00:54