Warner Bros. Marketing Department Sees Exec Exits Amid Restructuring

About 15 people working in marketing and publicity have left the Burbank lot.

A move to consolidate Warner Bros.' domestic and international marketing operations, along with publicity, has resulted in the departure of about 15 executives and staffers.

The decision to realign certain aspects of the department was spearheaded by Blair Rich, who succeeded Sue Kroll earlier this year as the film studio's president of worldwide marketing and home entertainment.

Rich has been part of a string of recent box-office successes, including Crazy Rich Asians, The Nun and A Star Is Born.

One of Rich's first priorities was to streamline domestic and international so that they didn't operate separately. One of her first hires was YouTube's Michelle Slavich, who was tapped to serve as executive vp global publicity. Slavich arrived at Warners following the exit of exec vp domestic publicity Julie Goodwin.

Among those leaving the studio as part of the reorganization are exec vp international publicity Lance Volland and publicity exec Ernie Johnston. Another person that has departed is international marketing president Lynne Frank. In a twinned move, there have been several promotions.

"Under Michelle Slavich, we have merged our domestic and international theatrical publicity teams to foster a 'global-first' perspective, further innovation and collaboration, and streamline approvals. The newly combined operation will focus on global campaigns bringing a cohesive, singular focus to our efforts.," Rich wrote in a memo to staff.

"I’d like to acknowledge our colleagues who will be leaving. They are all part of the Warner Bros. family and have been important to the company’s success," the memo continued. "I want to thank them for everything they’ve done for the Studio and wish them all the best in their future endeavors."

Variety first reported the exits.