Warner Bros. Games Restructures Leadership for Major Franchises
New Leadership Team Established
Warner Bros. Games, the studio behind the successful “Hogwarts Legacy,” has announced a significant leadership restructuring. This change aims to optimize development, production, and technology operations by creating divisions centered around its four flagship franchises: Harry Potter, “Game of Thrones,” “Mortal Kombat,” and the DC Universe.
Promotions of Studio Heads
As part of this restructuring, three prominent studio leaders have received promotions to the role of senior vice president. Yves Lachance, head of Warner Bros. Games Montréal, will now oversee development for Harry Potter and “Game of Thrones” games. Shaun Himmerick, who leads NetherRealm, will focus on the “Mortal Kombat” and DC projects. Finally, Steven Flenory, chief of the New York studio, will manage central tech and services including game technology, quality assurance, and user research.
Streamlined Reporting Structure
In the new structure, all development, production, and tech teams will report directly to Lachance and Himmerick, aligning their efforts with the franchises they are developing. This streamlined approach seeks to improve collaboration and efficiency across departments while maintaining a consistent vision for each franchise.
No Layoffs or Executive Exits
Variety has reported that this leadership restructuring did not involve any layoffs or the exit of current executives. This stability suggests that Warner Bros. Games is focused on enhancing its internal talent rather than reducing its workforce.
Transition Following David Haddad’s Departure
The restructuring occurs following the departure of former Warner Bros. Games chief David Haddad in January. It remains uncertain whether this new leadership structure serves as a temporary measure while the company searches for a permanent replacement or if the current setup is intended to be long-term.
Impending Corporate Split
Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to split into two distinct companies: WBD Streaming & Studios, led by CEO David Zaslav, and WBD Global Networks, headed by CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels. This corporate split, expected to finalize by mid-2026, will position the games division under the umbrella of the streaming and studios company.
Focus on Franchise Development
This transition to a franchise-focused strategy aligns with previous organizational changes within Warner Bros. Discovery’s television and film divisions. Under the new leadership, Lachance, Himmerick, and Flenory will directly report to J.B. Perrette, CEO of global streaming and games.
Commitment to Excellence in Gaming
In his remarks, Perrette expressed enthusiasm about the restructuring, stating, “Our company is home to some of the biggest franchises in the world, and we are optimizing our team structure to develop long-term franchise roadmaps.” He emphasized the importance of creating outstanding gaming experiences for fans of Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, and DC games.
