HBO EVP moves to WarnerMedia as CMO

As it prepares to launch its Netflix-rivalling OTT platform, WarnerMedia has continued its executive reshuffle with the appointment of Chris Spadaccini as chief marketing officer.

Spadaccini moves over from HBO, where he held various positions in the group’s programme advertising unit since joining in 1999.

He will be responsible for all aspects of WarnerMedia Entertainment’s marketing, which includes HBO, TBS, TNT, truTV and the streaming service. Spadaccini will report to WarnerMedia Entertainment and direct-to-consumer chairman Bob Greenblatt.

This is all a part of a major rearrangement of the newly-formed WarnerMedia Entertainment ahead of the launch of its streaming service, which is planned to launch in beta by the end of 2019.

As a result of this news, current EVP and CMO of TNT/TBS Michael Engleman is to leave WarnerMedia.

Greenblatt said: “I’ve long been impressed with the quality and cutting-edge approach of the HBO marketing group overseen by Chris, and I was happy he was up for taking on our whole portfolio of linear networks and streaming platforms. In an environment where content volume is soaring everywhere, I’m confident that Chris – through his close working relationships with Casey Bloys at HBO and Kevin Reilly at the WarnerMedia networks and direct-to-consumer business – will make all our shows cut through the clutter. I’d like to also thank Michael Engleman for his contribution to the Turner company and wish him well in his new endeavour.”

Spadaccini commented: ”This is the definition of a dream job. I am thrilled and humbled by the opportunity that Bob presented to me, and I couldn’t be more excited to bring all of my experience to bear on behalf of the incredible brands and networks of WarnerMedia Entertainment. I’m looking forward to getting to know the great marketing teams at TNT, TBS and truTV, and leveraging the talent and resources across the entire organisation to help launch our new direct-to-consumer offering.”