Warner Bros. Games President David Haddad Stepping Down After 12 Years

David Haddad is exiting his role as president of games at Warner Bros. Discovery after 12 years at the company but staying on for three months to help kick off the search for his successor.

In a note to the division’s staff obtained by Deadline, JB Perrette, CEO and president of WBD’s Global Streaming and Games, said Haddad “has thoughtfully and purposefully chosen a time when our release schedule is lighter which will help minimize disruption to our ongoing projects and strategic plans and allow this team to smoothly prepare for its next record-breaking title.”

“David has led WB Games to numerous accomplishments over the years, both creatively and commercially. His vision, talent and passion have helped build one of the most successful and admired gaming companies in the industry and navigated some of the biggest changes and challenges as well,” Perrette said. “From transitioning a physical software company into a digital-first gaming operation to organically building a successful free-to-play mobile business to developing and publishing multiple billion-dollar games and franchises — including Hogwarts Legacy, Game of Thrones Conquest, and Golf Clash — to delighting more Mortal Kombat fans than any time in the franchise’s 30+ year history, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

Games’ numbers have been uneven in recent years with the blockbuster Hogwarts noted above followed by underperforming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, MultiVersus and Joker: Folie a Deux. There have been hits but the misses have caused wild swings in the parent company’s studio segment for many quarters.

“I fully appreciate that particularly after 12 years with the same leader and boss, change can be hard and uncomfortable (in our industry and at WBD we have certainly had our fair share).  But it also brings opportunity, a chance for healthy new perspectives, and the ability to create the next incredible chapter for our fans and business… and I’m excited to embark on that with you,” Perrette wrote.

In his own note, Haddad said, “I am so proud of everything we’ve accomplished together at Warner Bros. Games during my time with the company.  It has been an absolute pleasure working on and building our iconic gaming franchises, and I will continue to be an enthusiastic supporter of this talented team’s future endeavors. I look forward to working on the next chapter of my career and will always be grateful for my time with Warner Bros. Games.”