Warner Bros. has announced that Group Chairman Toby Emmerich has extended his contract at the Studio and will be expanding his responsibilities to tackle a broad range of emerging strategic priorities within Warner Bros. and WarnerMedia.
Toby Emmerich has enjoyed great success at Warner Bros. and has headed the Warner Bros. Pictures Group since 2017 and led the division to its most successful year in 2018, with global box office of $5.6B. This year, “Joker” has become the highest grossing R-rated picture of all time with $875M to date. The announcement was made by Ann Sarnoff, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Warner Bros.
In addition, Carolyn Blackwood has been elevated to the newly created position of COO, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. Blackwood will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of WBPG, including physical production, business affairs, music and other related matters. She will also continue her oversight of New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Warner Bros.’ live stage division. Blackwood, a 20-year veteran of New Line and Warner Bros., has held various leadership roles in the company ranging from business affairs, film acquisitions, co-productions, live theater and, most recently, President and Chief Content Officer of New Line Cinema, a division of Warner Bros. Pictures Group. New Line has produced some of the most iconic and profitable horror and comedy franchises of all time, including “The Conjuring” Universe, and is the home of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” franchises, the latter of which Blackwood shepherded at the studio. Blackwood will continue to report directly to Emmerich, as will creative production/development, marketing, distribution and home entertainment.
“Toby is a distinguished entertainment executive whose track record speaks for itself. Since my arrival at Warner Bros., he has been an extraordinary partner. I am thrilled to have him by my side as we take Warner Bros. and WarnerMedia forward,” said Sarnoff. “When you look at the terrific performance of New Line over the years, it’s obvious that Carolyn’s formidable leadership skills have played an integral part in its success. I am excited for her to take on this larger Pictures Group role.”
“I have been very fortunate to have someone of Carolyn’s calibre riding shotgun with me these past 15 years,” said Emmerich. “She is an exceptional executive with great instincts and a unique skill set that will serve the company well moving forward. I couldn’t be happier to have her take on these additional responsibilities.”
Emmerich added, “It’s a privilege to be continuing my journey at Warner Bros., particularly working so closely with Ann. She has brought a fresh perspective and energy to the studio with her sharp intellect and leadership.”