Discovery Global has appointed Gap Inc veteran Adrienne O’Hara as its Executive Vice President and Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer, as the cable network parent prepares for its planned separation from Warner Bros. Discovery.

The appointment will take effect from January 7, 2026, marking a key leadership addition at a time of significant structural change for the company.

According to a Deadline report, the move comes as Warner Bros. Discovery advances plans to sell its studios-and-streaming division to Netflix in an $82.7 billion transaction.

The deal is expected to pave the way for the spin-off of the cable networks business into a standalone entity, to be named Discovery Global, with the separation likely to be completed in the third quarter of 2026. The development unfolds against a competitive backdrop, with Paramount having made a hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing that its proposal offers greater certainty for shareholders.

Once the split is completed, Discovery Global will own and operate a broad portfolio of cable networks, including CNN, TNT and HGTV, along with digital sports platform Bleacher Report and the Discovery+ streaming service. O’Hara will report directly to Gunnar Wiedenfels, CEO of Discovery Global, and will be responsible for shaping the company’s communications strategy as it transitions into an independent organisation

O’Hara brings over two decades of experience leading communications for major consumer brands. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Communications and Engagement at Gap Inc. Her previous roles include heading communications at Old Navy and spending more than a decade at Toys “R” Us, where she was closely involved in navigating periods of transformation and brand repositioning.

Commenting on the appointment, Wiedenfels said O’Hara’s experience would be critical as the company engages with investors, employees and partners during the transition. He described her as a proven leader with the ability to translate complex strategy into clear and compelling narratives, a skill he said would help build confidence in Discovery Global’s future as a standalone company.

O’Hara, in turn, said Discovery Global has a strong portfolio of brands and a clear opportunity to redefine its market positioning. She added that communications would play a central role in supporting growth and strengthening the company’s cultural relevance as it enters its next phase.