Warner Bros Hires Mike Ireland as President of Production

Ireland joins from Paramount Pictures to help lead the studio's creative vision and expansion of its film slate.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 2:23am

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Warner Bros. Pictures has hired Mike Ireland as its new President of Production. Ireland will join the studio's current President of Production, Jesse Ehrman, to help drive a creative and commercial resurgence at Warner Bros. Ireland is joining from Paramount Pictures, where he served as Head of the Motion Picture Group and oversaw the success of franchises like A Quiet Place, Scream, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Transformers, as well as original hits like Smile and Bob Marley: One Love.

Why it matters

The hire of Ireland signals Warner Bros.' commitment to expanding its film slate and building new franchises, as the studio aims to release 16+ theatrical films annually. Ireland's track record of shepherding both beloved franchises and original stories aligns with Warner Bros.' vision to create unforgettable cinematic experiences for global audiences.

The details

Ireland previously spent eight years at 20th Century Fox, where he oversaw projects like Free Guy and Alita: Battle Angel. Before becoming a studio executive, he produced at Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way production company and began his career as a television executive at MTV. Ireland is a USC film school graduate, earning his screenwriting degree in 1999.

  • Ireland will start his new role at Warner Bros. next month.
  • Ireland served as President of Production at Paramount Pictures since 2020.

The players

Mike Ireland

The new President of Production at Warner Bros. Pictures, joining from a similar role at Paramount Pictures where he oversaw the success of several major franchises.

Jesse Ehrman

The current President of Production at Warner Bros. Pictures, who will continue in his role alongside the newly hired Mike Ireland.

Pam Abdy

The co-chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures, who is leading the studio's creative vision and expansion plans alongside Mike.

Mike De Luca

The co-chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures, who is leading the studio's creative vision and expansion plans alongside Pam.

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What they’re saying

“Joining Warner Bros. at this moment feels like being invited onto the 1927 Yankees — a team at the very top of its game. There is a real sense of purpose here and a shared belief in what great storytelling can do. I'm genuinely excited to collaborate with Pam, Mike, and Jesse to help carry the studio's momentum forward.”

— Michael Ireland, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures

What’s next

Ireland will start his new role at Warner Bros. Pictures next month, joining the existing leadership team to help drive the studio's creative and commercial expansion.

The takeaway

The hire of Mike Ireland as Warner Bros. Pictures' new President of Production signals the studio's ambition to build on its recent successes by expanding its film slate, developing new franchises, and championing original voices in cinema. Ireland's proven track record in shepherding both beloved IP and innovative stories aligns with Warner Bros.' vision to create unforgettable experiences for global audiences.