WarnerMedia’s streamer taps kids, animation EVPs

With a focus on nostalgia and legacy brands, Jennifer O’Connell will head up non-fiction and kids, while Suzanna Makkos leads comedy and animation.
May 3, 2019

As WarnerMedia gears up to launch its own streaming service, the media conglom has hired Jennifer O’Connell (pictured left) as the EVP of original non-fiction and kids, and Suzanna Makkos (pictured right) as EVP of original comedy and animation for the SVOD.

Reporting to Sarah Aubrey,  head of original content for WarnerMedia, both O’Connell and Makkos will build up content, even though there hasn’t been a launch date for the service announced yet.

O’Connell is developing a slate of docuseries and children’s-focused projects utilizing WarnerMedia’s portfolio of nostalgia brands. Prior to joining the SVOD team, she served as Lionsgate’s EVP and head of worldwide alternative programming, where she oversaw the development and production of the studio’s unscripted slate. In the past, O’Connell has also held positions at the Disney Channel and the Family Channel.

Makkos, meanwhile, will lead creative development for comedy and animation focused on creating shows ranging from anthology rom-com series to millennial satire to new takes on legacy animated properties. Previously, she was the EVP of comedy programming and development at Fox Broadcasting, where she helped launch popular series such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, New Girl and The Mindy Project.

There is no word on whether the two will be working with Peter Roth, the CCO of Warner Bros. Television Group and the interim leader for WarnerMedia’s kids and young adults group. Following Kevin Tsujihara’s departure in March, Warner Bros. is still looking for a new CEO and head of kids and young adult for WarnerMedia.

About The Author
Alexandra Whyte is Kidscreen's News & Social Media Editor. Contact her at awhyte@brunico.com

Search

Menu

Brand Menu