Christina Sulebakk to become new head of HBO Europe as Hervé Payan leaves the company

Cristina Blanaru Business, Digital & Media, People

WarnerMedia, a division of AT&T Inc., announced the appointment of Christina Sulebakk to lead HBO Europe including the linear networks and streaming service effective immediately. In her new role as General Manager, HBO Europe, Sulebakk will report into Priya Dogra, President, WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks, EMEA and APAC.

Sulebakk replaces Hervé Payan who served as CEO of HBO Europe for eight years and who will be leaving the company at the end of August 2020.

Priya Dogra said:

“Christina is a tremendously talented executive who has been integral to the success of HBO Europe. She has a deep understanding of direct-to-consumer businesses and has played a pivotal role in the development of our international plans. She will be a key force in driving our growth in Europe.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to Hervé for his leadership in building and growing the HBO Europe business and importantly, for his vision in launching streaming video offerings in key markets in Europe. I’ve personally worked closely with Hervé over the past few years and I’ve appreciated his entrepreneurial spirit, his focus on innovation and good sense of humor. We are thankful to Hervé for staying on until the end of August to ensure a smooth transition of this important business.”

Hervé Payan said: “I am enormously proud of what the HBO Europe team has achieved over the years.  I am delighted to see the torch pass to Christina.  She has been here since the outset and I’m sure she will play a valuable role in accelerating the pace of the business.”

Sulebakk said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled about my new role and our ambitious plans for HBO Europe. Working on this iconic brand with exceptionally talented colleagues at such a pivotal time in the industry has been an educational and enriching experience. I can’t wait to get started on the opportunities that lie ahead as we build on the strong foundation that is Hervé’s legacy.”

Sulebakk has been at HBO Europe for over eight years, most recently serving as Executive Vice President, CMO & Head of Distribution. During her years at HBO Europe she has been expatriated to Madrid, Budapest and New York and has played pivotal roles in transforming the Central European business into streaming and launching HBO España.

WarnerMedia is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium and popular content from a diverse array of talented storytellers and journalists to global audiences through its consumer brands including: HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, DC Entertainment, New Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and others, as well as Xandr’s suite of advanced advertising solutions designed to help to improve advertising for brands, publishers, and consumers. WarnerMedia is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T).