Thomas Gewecke was named President, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution in December 2007. In this position, Gewecke works to extend Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s digital strategy and reach across current and emerging platforms. Charged with global responsibility for the strategic growth initiatives around all of WBHE’s assets, Gewecke guides development and execution of activities in the wireless, online, transactional video-on-demand/pay-per-view and electronic-sell-through sectors. He is also responsible for identifying strategic partnerships and next generation distribution channels to open new revenue streams.
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution is part of the Studio’s Home Entertainment division, which brings together all of its businesses involved in the digital delivery of entertainment content to consumers, including home video, online, wireless and games, and is focused on protecting and maximizing the value of the Studio’s content, while fully harnessing the benefits of emerging technologies.
Under Gewecke’s leadership, WBDD has launched ground-breaking initiatives that have catapulted the division to being the industry leader in the distribution of digital content. Starting in late 2007, WBDD began to offer On Demand movies day-and-date with their DVD release. This bold move created significant uptake in VOD transactions without harming DVD sales. In 2010, WBDD launched digital films as “App Editions.” Through the Apple App Store, consumers in countries such as China and the Netherlands could now purchase digital versions of films. Finally, in 2011, WBDD became the first to offer films for rental directly through Facebook. Using Facebook Credits, consumers can watch films for 48 hours through each title’s Facebook Fan page. WBDD also oversees the company’s efforts for UltraViolet – an industry standard for accessing content stored in a cloud-based locker across numerous devices.
Gewecke joined WBDD from Sony BMG Music Entertainment, where as Executive Vice President, Global Digital Business, he was responsible for worldwide digital business development efforts and oversaw the creation of new digital ventures. In addition, Gewecke oversaw the company’s online advertising, digital long-form video and direct-to-consumer commerce businesses, and led its expansion into the US off-deck mobile market.
Prior to Sony BMG, Gewecke was Senior Vice President of Business Development in the Digital Services Group for Sony Music Entertainment, Inc, where founded and led its mobile business, building a dominant market position for the company, launching the industry’s first US master ringtone offering in mid-2003 and becoming the only record label to create and operate a major US on-deck direct-to-consumer mobile storefront. Gewecke also supervised Sony Music’s interest in certain digital media investments.
Gewecke also held the position of Publisher of the PC World Online Network at International Data Group. During his tenure with the company, he built IDG’s largest online publishing division and oversaw the launch of multiple Internet properties. He also played a major role in the development of IDG’s overall digital strategy.
Gewecke graduated from Harvard College in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in social studies.