Former Disney exec Nitin Chawla has joined WarnerMedia as head of finance, strategy, planning and global operations for the Global Brands and Experiences division. He will oversee consumer engagement strategy for brands including Harry Potter, DC, Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera.

Based in Burbank, California, Chawla started on January 18 with a remit of managing WarnerMedia’s consumer products business, as well as finance and business development for DC. His 2022 priorities include building out the Wizarding World and Harry Potter experiences worldwide, promoting the Looney Tunes brand for Tweety Bird’s 80th anniversary, and rolling out new DC comics.

Chawla will replace long-time WarnerMedia exec Nairi Gardiner, who is retiring after 30 years with the company. He reports to Pam Lifford (president of WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences) and Jessica Holscot (head of finance for WarnerMedia Studios and Networks).

Before joining WarnerMedia, Chawla was head of business operations and digital media for Disney Streaming Services, where he set strategy for proprietary and third-party apps and websites connected to brands such as ABC News, Disney and Star Wars. Prior to that, he served at Disney as VP and GM of connected experiences and VP of corporate strategy, business development and technology.