In a move that was highly anticipated, Warner Bros. is set to appoint Josh Goldstine as the President of Worldwide Marketing, taking over the position previously held by Blair Rich. Goldstine, a former Universal executive, is currently in negotiations with Warner Bros. and is expected to officially join the studio in Burbank, CA later this month.
Goldstine will report directly to Toby Emmerich, Chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, and will collaborate with the division’s senior management team. His responsibilities will include overseeing the global theatrical release slate for Warner Bros., New Line, DC, Warner Animation Group, and HBO Max original features. This will encompass managing Warner Bros. Pictures‘ worldwide creative advertising, publicity, media, global digital, global promotions, worldwide research, and multi-cultural groups.
Toby Emmerich expressed his confidence in Goldstine, stating, „Josh is an outstanding marketer with a proven track record of successfully promoting a diverse range of films in both theaters and streaming platforms. He is passionate about cinema, values the importance of the theatrical experience, and excels at translating filmmakers‘ visions into compelling marketing campaigns that deliver results. His forward-thinking approach will be instrumental in guiding our evolving business, launching both theatrical releases and HBO Max original movies. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Pictures Group.“
Following Blair Rich’s departure, Goldstine had already been consulting on Warner Bros. theatrical titles such as „The Little Things,“ „Judas and the Black Messiah,“ and Legendary’s „Godzilla vs. Kong,“ all of which are receiving simultaneous releases on HBO Max. Rich, along with JP Richards, former co-president of worldwide marketing, left their positions in early November as Warner Bros. adjusted its marketing strategies to accommodate a theatrical-HBO Max day-and-date release model.
Prior to joining Warner Bros., Goldstine served as the President of Worldwide Marketing at Universal. Despite facing allegations of inappropriate conduct in 2018, he was later cleared of these accusations and awarded a $20 million arbitration. Sources indicate that Warner Bros. thoroughly vetted Goldstine before offering him the consulting role, ensuring his suitability for the position. Goldstine’s tenure at Universal was marked by successful campaigns for blockbuster franchises such as „Jurassic World,“ „Despicable Me,“ „Pitch Perfect,“ and „Fast & Furious,“ as well as critically acclaimed films like „Get Out,“ „Split,“ and „Straight Outta Compton.“
Having spent over two decades at Sony Pictures before his time at Universal, Goldstine held various marketing roles, including President of Creative Advertising. He spearheaded creative campaigns for notable films like „The Social Network,“ the original „Spider-Man“ franchise, „Casino Royale,“ and multiple projects with Will Smith. Goldstine’s expertise in marketing extends beyond the film industry, as he has also provided consultation services to clients in the gaming and streaming sectors.
Throughout his career, Goldstine has garnered numerous advertising accolades, including Clio Key Art awards and gold medals from prestigious advertising festivals in New York and London. A Harvard University graduate, Goldstine’s appointment as President of Worldwide Marketing at Warner Bros. signals a new chapter for the studio as it navigates the evolving landscape of film distribution and promotion. His wealth of experience and innovative approach are poised to drive the studio’s marketing efforts to new heights.