I am a creative and ambitious strategic communications leader who drove successful PR strategies for every aspect of HBO’s business, guiding the culture-defining brand through the turbulent streaming revolution, as new technologies and challenger brands disrupted traditional business models and the way we consume entertainment. For more than 15 years, I’ve steered the conversation at the intersection of culture and technology, working with senior executives across product, tech, marketing, research, data science, AI/ML, content strategy and other disciplines to launch new brands and evolve legacy brands without diminishing their hard-earned reputations. At HBO, I launched TV shows, streaming services, VR games and experiences, AR lenses, voice skills, branching narrative tech, live fan experiences, a global concert tour, Super Bowl commercials and hundreds of consumer products that cemented HBO’s status as the go-to brand for curated, prestige television and turned shows like Game of Thrones into global phenomenons. In 2023, I led the successful PR roll out for the rebranded Max streaming service, working closely with Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming leadership team across the U.S., Latin America, Europe and APAC to set the stage for the new brand and improved product experience. My leadership during this period of rapid growth and change was a key influence in evolving a legacy entertainment business into one of the leading streaming players across the globe, giving him a unique perspective into how technology transforms business. I’m excited to build on this experience by working with brands who are charting a vision for the future, brands who are developing unique and exciting ways to evolve their businesses amidst disruption, and, in this new era of automation, brands who are finding the right balance between human and machine to drive innovation, educate and empower workers, and unlock value across their organizations.
Chris Willard Communications
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Strategic Comms PartnerChris Willard Communications Feb 2024 - PresentSan Francisco, California, United StatesChris Willard Communications is a San Francisco-based strategic communications consulting firm servicing clients at the intersection of culture and technology. CWC offers hourly consulting, narrative development, launch campaigns, media training and crisis communications.
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Svp, Streaming CommunicationsWarner Bros. Discovery Apr 2022 - Sep 2023Los Angeles, California, United States-Led communications roll out in support of the launch of Max, a new app that combined the best content from HBO Max and discovery+ in a new user interface and built on a new tech stack.-Worked closely with execs in Europe, Latin America, and APAC on global strategy to ensure discipline and messaging consistency. -
Svp, Communications, Direct-To-Consumer (Hbo Max)Warnermedia Dec 2020 - Apr 2022Los Angeles, California, United States-Spearheaded communications strategy for WarnerMedia’s DTC business unit, partnering with HBO Max leaders and comms leaders globally to position HBO Max as an innovative, industry-leading streaming platform.-Provided executive support and developed positive PR narratives for multiple in-org teams, including product experience, marketing, in-app editorial, growth marketing & engagement, and data science.-Oversaw social PR strategies, owning @HBOPR on Twitter and @InsideHBOMax on Twitter and Instagram allowing for guidance and control of brand perceptions on social media platforms.-Managed crisis communications around HBO Max platform crashes and consumer complaints ensuring consistency between press and consumer comms.-Partnered with executive leadership and brand marketing team to provide strategic guidance around how and if the company should engage on social issues (e.g., BLM, Stop AAPI Hate, Roe v. Wade). -
Vice President Of Corporate Communications, Warnermedia Entertainment And Direct-To-ConsumerWarnermedia Oct 2019 - Dec 2020Greater New York City Area-Developed workflows and processes to enable collaboration across HBO, HBO Max, and T-nets PR teams, including redesign of press release templates, streamlining of all press lists, management of festival, panel, and industry opportunities, and creation of team dashboard containing key departmental assets and info.-Ran PR efforts for DTC tech team, including press narrative for DTC tech head timed to launch of HBO Max. -
Director Of Corporate AffairsHbo Apr 2018 - Oct 2019Greater New York City Area-Oversaw corporate communications strategy and issues management for HBO’s consumer marketing, technology, home entertainment, licensing & retail, and multicultural marketing divisions. -Spearheaded PR launches of emerging tech initiatives including AR lenses, VR games and experiences, and Voice skills, explaining new technologies to reporters resulting in positive coverage of key launches.-Headed PR efforts for #ForTheThrone, the Game of Thrones final season marketing campaign, including Super Bowl commercial, SXSW experiential activation, pro-social partnership with American Red Cross, global scavenger hunt, and partnerships with consumer brands: Adidas, Oreos, John Varvatos, and Johnnie Walker. -
Manager, Corporate AffairsHbo Nov 2015 - Apr 2018Greater New York City Area-Managed PR launch of Mosaic, an interactive storytelling app from Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh reinforcing HBO’s reputation as an entertainment innovator.-Led PR efforts for Home Entertainment and Consumer Products divisions, including for Game of Thrones global concert tour, mobile and console games, books, board games, and alcoholic beverages, tripling licensing revenue as the series soared in popularity globally. -
Publicist, Home Entertainment And Global LicensingHbo Jun 2013 - Nov 2015New York, Ny-Oversaw PR strategy for HBO’s Home Entertainment and Consumer Products divisions, generating press and influencer coverage in the United States and United Kingdom for dozens of consumer product releases each year. -
Publicity AssistantHbo Aug 2009 - May 2013New York, Ny-Assisted the Vice President of Program Publicity in gaining media coverage and reviews for HBO series and specials, including Girls, Boardwalk Empire, True Blood, Looking, and Hung. -
Freelance Writer/Reporter/Fact CheckerFreelance May 2007 - Oct 2009
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Editorial AssistantPeople Magazine Jan 2008 - Dec 2008New York, Ny• Reported, wrote, and fact checked articles for People Magazine and People.com• Oversaw creation of a daily calendar assigning writing/editing shifts for People.com
Chris Willard Education Details
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Communication
Frequently Asked Questions about Chris Willard
What company does Chris Willard work for?
Chris Willard works for Chris Willard Communications
What is Chris Willard's role at the current company?
Chris Willard's current role is Strategic Comms Partner | Former HBO/Max.
What schools did Chris Willard attend?
Chris Willard attended University Of Science And Arts Of Oklahoma.
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