Full Breakdown
Gerhard Zeiler to Receive International Emmy Directorate Award
8/14/2026, 12:51:50 AM
Core Event
Gerhard Zeiler, president of International for Warner Bros. Discovery, has been selected to receive the 2026 International Emmy Directorate Award. He will accept the honor at the 54th International Emmy Awards Gala on Monday, November 23, 2026, in New York City. The International Academy will also present its Founders Award to Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria at the same ceremony.
Background & Context
Zeiler’s career spans more than three decades in global television. He began at Austria’s public broadcaster ORF, later served as CEO of the European RTL Group, and joined Turner Broadcasting’s international division in 2012. In 2020 he became president of WarnerMedia International, and after the 2022 WarnerMedia–Discovery merger he was appointed president of International for Warner Bros. Discovery. In this role he has overseen the integration of the two companies’ overseas operations and driven the expansion of the HBO Max streaming service to over 130 countries within just over three years.
Timeline
- 2012 – Joined Turner (Time Warner) to expand international operations, including regional sports and pay-TV.
- 2020 – Appointed president of WarnerMedia International.
- 2022 – Oversaw integration of WarnerMedia and Discovery’s international businesses.
- November 23, 2026 – Scheduled to receive the International Emmy Directorate Award at the gala in New York City.
Data & Statistics
- HBO Max availability: more than 130 countries after a three-year rollout under Zeiler’s leadership.
Official Statements & Responses
Bruce L.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Gerhard Zeiler has built and led some of the world’s most influential media businesses, helping shape the international television industry through periods of profound change,” — International Academy, of Television Arts & Sciences president/CEO Bruce L
- “I am deeply honored to be recognized by the International Academy with the International Emmy Directorate Award,” — Gerhard Zeiler, president of international at Warner Bros
- “My passion for media began before I can even remember, and from a young age I understood the power of television to bring people together and open a window into different cultures and ideas.” — Gerhard Zeiler, president of international at Warner Bros
- “Gerhard Zeiler has built and led some of the world’s most influential media businesses, helping shape the international television industry through periods of profound change. Throughout his career, his commercial acumen has been grounded in a deep appreciation for the creative talent and storytelling that define our business,” — Bruce L. Paisner, president and CEO of the International Academy
What’s Next
The award ceremony on November 23, 2026 will also honor Netflix’s Bela Bajaria with the International Emmy Founders Award, highlighting the Academy’s focus on both executive leadership and creative achievement in global television.
