Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the technology company of deliberately targeting one of its senior executives in violation of her employment agreement. The legal dispute centres on the departure of a top marketing executive and allegations of aggressive hiring practices.
According to a report by Variety, the lawsuit concerns Pia Barlow, the former Senior Vice President of Originals Marketing at HBO Max. Amazon reportedly recruited Barlow for a newly created position as Head of Original Series Marketing, with her expected to begin the role on August 3.
In its complaint, WBD alleges that Amazon knowingly encouraged Barlow to breach the terms of her employment agreement by offering her a significantly higher compensation package. The company further claims that Amazon arranged legal support for her by connecting her with an external law firm.
Court filings state that Barlow informed Warner Bros. Discovery of her intention to leave in late May before formally resigning on June 5.
The media company has also alleged that this was not an isolated incident. According to the lawsuit, Amazon had previously attempted to recruit another Warner Bros. Discovery executive using similar tactics, although that hiring effort was unsuccessful.
Warner Bros. Discovery is seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court order aimed at preventing any further alleged violations linked to the hiring. The case adds to growing scrutiny over talent acquisition practices in the media and technology sectors, where competition for experienced executives has intensified in recent years.
Amazon has not commented publicly on the allegations. The matter will now be decided through legal proceedings.
