Li Haslett Chen to Leave Warner Bros. Discovery Board

Howl CEO Li Haslett Chen is stepping down from the board of directors at Warner Bros. Discovery.

The Hollywood studio in a regulatory filing on Monday announced the departure of Haslett Chen, who was named as an independent director and board member at WBD in April 2022. Her exit, set for Jan. 31, could open the way for a high-profile addition to the WBD board next year.

The departure also follows the Hollywood studio, led by CEO David Zaslav, unveiling plans to rework its corporate structure with an eye toward a possible spinoff of its legacy TV assets. Earlier this month, WBD said it was reorganizing its corporate structure into a global linear TV division, separate from its streaming and studios division. 

Haslett Chen launched and runs Howl, a retail media and social commerce player that focuses on digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. She pointed to focusing on her own business for stepping away from WBD after three years on the board.

“In the past year, Howl has pioneered strategic partnerships with industry-leading retail media networks and launched an innovative new platform. As Howl enters a major phase of growth in 2025, I have decided to dedicate my full attention to the company during this exciting time,” Chen said in a statement.

 Samuel A. Di Piazza Jr., chair of the WBD board, praised Haslett Chen as she looks to complete her work with the Hollywood studio.

“Li has been an exceptionally engaged and dedicated member of the board, bringing unique insights and deep technology expertise that have been valuable as we have overseen management’s strategic progress. We wish Li the best in her future endeavors,” Di Piazza said in a statement.