Warner Bros. Sues Amazon Over Alleged Executive Poaching

Warner Bros. Discovery has filed a lawsuit accusing Amazon of unlawfully recruiting executives who remain bound by fixed-term employment agreements, alleging interference with contractual relations, breach of contract and unfair competition.

According to the complaint, Amazon MGM Studios hired HBO Max marketing executive Pia Barlow even though her employment agreement with Warner Bros. was not due to expire until October 31, 2027. Warner Bros. also alleged Amazon attempted to recruit another senior executive, believed to be HBO programming executive Francesca Orsi, whose contract runs through December 2027. The executive ultimately remained with Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. alleges unlawful recruitment.

In the lawsuit, Warner Bros. claims Amazon deliberately encouraged employees to break valid employment agreements while assuring them the company would provide legal protection if disputes arose. It argues Amazon ignored established California law by attempting to recruit staff who were still under contract.

Legal questions remain

The case is expected to renew debate over whether fixed-term employment agreements are enforceable under California law. The lawsuit comes as Warner Bros. continues navigating its planned merger with Paramount, which has been delayed for at least several months.