Barry Ziehl has been named senior vice president, public affairs and strategic initiatives for Warner Bros. Entertainment, it was announced by Dee Dee Myers, executive vice president, worldwide corporate communications and public affairs, Warner Bros. Ziehl, who currently oversees worldwide public relations and marketing for Warner Bros. Consumer Products, will assume his new responsibilities in the coming weeks and report directly to Myers.
n this new role, Ziehl will assume oversight of Warner Bros.’ public affairs team, including corporate responsibility and the further integration of philanthropy and sustainability initiatives into the company’s corporate values and business interests. Working with in-place executives, including Michael Walbrecht, vice president, public affairs, Ziehl will also be responsible for state and local government and community relations efforts, representing Warner Bros.’ interests on key industry-related legislative, regulatory and production issues. Additionally, he will work with Myers to identify opportunities and develop strategic worldwide initiatives to enhance Warner Bros.’ brand reputation while supporting the company’s global operations and broader business goals.
“Barry is a bold strategic thinker, terrific manager and seasoned executive who will be a tremendous asset to our corporate communications and public affairs team,” said Myers. “He brings an invaluable mix of public relations, marketing and strategic planning skills, as well as experience working across divisions at Warner Bros. I couldn’t be more excited about working with him as we continue to shape and communicate the Warner Bros. story.”
Ziehl has served as senior vice president, worldwide public relations and marketing for Warner Bros. Consumer Products the last 10 years, where he oversaw the development and execution of global marketing campaigns supporting the portfolio of DC Entertainment properties for some of the division’s largest initiatives and theatrical tentpole projects, most recently the introduction of a new company-wide global franchise, DC Super Hero Girls.
Additionally, Ziehl drove the worldwide public relations efforts for global licensing, retail, promotional and marketing programs for WBCP and its affiliated entertainment brands, including the launch of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Orlando, Osaka, Hollywood).
Ziehl joined WBCP in 1999, holding successive positions within the division. Prior to WBCP, Ziehl worked for the U.S. Postal Service at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. where he led award-winning public relations and marketing communications programs.