New York (CNN Business) Ann Sarnoff is about to become the new chair and CEO of Warner Bros. -- and the first female chief in the studio's storied history.

Sarnoff's appointment was announced on Monday by John Stankey, the CEO of WarnerMedia, which is also the parent company of CNN Business.

Ann Sarnoff

Sarnoff is currently the president of BBC Studios Americas, with about a decade of experience at the BBC. She previously held executive roles at Dow Jones, the Women's National Basketball Association, and Viacom.

"She brings a consistent and proven track record of innovation, creativity and business results to lead an incredibly successful studio to its next chapter of growth," Stankey said in a statement.

A female studio chief is a rarity in Hollywood, even though the industry's trade association says women account for 51% of moviegoers in the United States.

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