As part of a major event for the company, Diane Nelson, the president of DC Entertainment and president of Warner Bros. consumer products has announced that she is stepping away from her position at the legendary brand. In late March, Nelson took a leave of absence from DC Entertainment to focus on family-related matters, though she was expected to return until today's development. After revealing her exit strategy to Warner Bros. Entertainment CEO Kevin Tsujihara, he released the following statement on the company's behalf:
“Diane has been a friend and colleague as well as a valued member of the Warner Bros. family for more than 20 years,” Tsujihara said. “Throughout her tenure, her leadership and contributions have helped shape the way the studio operates today, and we’re better for having had her on our team. While we’re sad she’ll be leaving us, we completely respect and support her decision. Whatever her next chapter holds, I know she’ll make it amazing.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, who exclusively broke the news early Wednesday afternoon, the interim executive structure established during her leave will remain for the time being. That framework sees Thomas Gewecke, who serves as chief digital officer and executive vp strategy and business development at Warner Bros., overseeing the DC executive management team of Dan DiDio, Jim Lee, Geoff Johns and Amit Desai. Warner Bros. consumer products president Pam Lifford will now directly report to Tsujihara.
“Warner Bros. has been my home for over 20 years with a wide variety of incredible professional experiences,” said Nelson in a statement. “The last nine — rebuilding and managing DC Entertainment — have been a particular highlight and privilege. With the support and talents of our staff and creators, I am proud to leave DC even stronger than when I joined it. I will miss everyone —particularly my executive management team — without whom none of our achievements could have been realized. And I am excited to take on my next professional adventure.”
Nelson is leaving the company behind after 22 years of service at Warners. Early into her career, she worked closely beside award-winning author JK Rowling to bring Harry Potter – one of the largest and most influential franchises and brands – to the big screen. While at the company, Nelson also shined brightly as the studio's president of Warner Premiere, the direct-to-DVD feature film and short-form digital content division, as well as executive vp global brand management for Warner Bros. Entertainment. It's been noted by Warner's top brass that Nelson's contributions to the studio's identity and excellence won't soon be forgotten in the years to come.
In addition to her aforementioned achievements, Nelson was also instrumental in breathing new life into DC's publishing arm, ushering in a bevy of new talent to DC Comics such as Scott Synder (Batman, Justice League), Tom King (Batman, Mister Miracle), Liam Sharp (Wonder Woman, Brave and the Bold), Joelle Jones (Catwoman) and more. World-renowned author Neil Gaiman also returned to DC's Vertigo imprint to relaunch his Sandman universe under Nelson's watch. THR also notes that Nelson was a key player in establishing the partnership between DC and with Warner Bros. Television Group, which gave birth to shows such as The CW's ARROW, SUPERGIRL and BLACK LIGHTNING.
There is no doubt that Nelson's hard work and influence will resonate in the DC and Warner stratosphere for years to come, and we wish her the best of luck during the next chapter of her professional journey. Thanks for all the great times, Diane, now go out there and build us another empire, if you please.