WarnerMedia announced today that industry veteran Nitin Chawla has been named Head of Finance, Strategy, Planning and Global Operations for WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences. Chawla, who started January 18, reports to Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences, and Jessica Holscott, Head of Finance for WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group. Chawla joins as long time Warner Bros. executive and current Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations for WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences, Nairi Gardiner, is retiring after a successful 30-year career at the Studio.
In his new role, Chawla will oversee all aspects of finance, strategy and business operations for WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences, the division of WarnerMedia that combines the creative power of WarnerMedia Studios and Networks, DC, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment to create the strategy and drive opportunities for consumers to engage with the Company’s iconic brands. As part of his role, Chawla and team will oversee global operations, business development, planning and reporting for Consumer Products as well as DC finance and business development. Chawla will also represent the division to the larger WarnerMedia finance organization.
“With more than 20 years of experience across digital media, consumer products and technology, Nitin brings a breadth of knowledge that’s perfectly aligned with the next phase of our growth,” said Pam Lifford, President of WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences. “As physical retail and engagement continue to merge with digital experiences and consumers look to new ways to be entertained, we’re continuously innovating to find ways to meet our fans where they are.”
Jessica Holscott, Head of Finance for WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group added “Global Brands and Experiences is a key revenue and strategic pilar in our company, and Nitin’s global experience, impressive background and leadership credentials make him a terrific addition to both the divisional leadership and finance teams”.
Chawla joins WarnerMedia from The Walt Disney Company where he was Head of Digital Media Business Operations, responsible for strategic planning, business operations, finance, and analytics for Disney’s Entertainment and News portfolio of digital products. He previously served at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Division as VP and General Manager of Connected Experiences. In that role, he set the innovation agenda for Disney’s foray into converged physical-digital entertainment experiences and led the development and commercialization of cutting-edge products in categories such as connected toys, augmented reality, and wearables. Nitin also held roles in corporate strategy and international, beginning his career with Disney in Mumbai, India leading strategy, business development and games/interactive.
Chawla began his career as a media planner at J. Walter Thompson in Mumbai, India, and spent time at Johnson & Johnson, Tenfold Communications, and Deloitte Consulting before joining Disney. He is a graduate of the University of Delhi and received his MBA from The George Washington University.
Nitin Chawla – Head of Finance, Strategy, Planning and Global Operations for WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.