Warner Bros. is set to solidify its move into China with the naming of Gillian Zhao as the entertainment giant’s new country manager.
Zhao, a longtime figure in China’s entertainment and technology industry, will oversee all company business for Warner Bros. China, including U.S. content and distribution, according to Deadline.com.
“As we look to expand all of our businesses in China, Gillian’s know-how, experience and contacts will give us a competitive advantage,” Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara said in a statement.
Zhao’s last post was at Wanda Pictures, which acquired the U.S.-owned Legendary Pictures early this year. She has also held previous positions at Apple China, Microsoft China, IBM China, Hewlett Packard China, as well as entertainment groups like Bona Film and Celestial.
Last year, looking to produce Chinese-language films, Warner Bros. came to an agreement with the state-backed investment fund China Media Capital to create Flagship Entertainment Group. Zhao’s new post is separate from that joint venture, headed by Elaine Feng as of June.
