Chelsey Summey has reportedly departed Warner Bros. as Paramount takes control of the studio, making the communications executive one of the latest senior figures to leave during the transition.
Summey had served as Warner Bros.’ Head of Communications, reporting to motion picture leaders Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy. Her exit from the company’s Burbank, California, lot comes as additional departures are expected later this week, Deadline reports.
The communications veteran joined Warner Bros. as senior vice president of communications in January 2024 before later being elevated to the top communications position.
A wide-ranging Warner Bros. role
As Head of Communications, Summey’s responsibilities extended across several parts of the studio. She oversaw strategic communications for Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Clockwork and Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures.
Her remit included leading both internal and external communications strategy. She also advised studio executives on prominent business and reputational issues while directing messaging connected to Warner Bros.’ movies, talent and wider corporate priorities.
That placed Summey in a significant position within the motion picture operation, with her work spanning executive counsel, company communications and the public narrative surrounding multiple Warner Bros. divisions.
From Amazon MGM Studios to Warner Bros.
Before arriving at Warner Bros., Summey worked at Amazon MGM Studios as Head of Corporate Communications for its film group.
Her earlier career included nearly a decade at 20th Century Fox, now known as 20th Century Studios. She ultimately rose to senior vice president of corporate communications there, overseeing media relations, executive communications, corporate events, talent relations and awards-campaign strategy.
Summey was also responsible for the daily operations of Fox’s global communications team. During that period, she played an integral part in developing and leading the studio’s crisis communications strategy.
Her work at Fox covered a slate of award-winning and blockbuster films, including Bohemian Rhapsody, the Deadpool franchise, The Greatest Showman, The Martian, The Revenant, Hidden Figures, Life of Pi and the Ice Age franchise.
Prior to her years at Fox, Summey held corporate communications and publicity positions at Paramount Pictures and CAA. Her departure from Warner Bros. therefore comes after a career that has included roles at several major entertainment businesses—including an earlier stint at the company now taking control of Warner Bros.
ShowBiz Take
Summey’s exit matters because her Warner Bros. position reached well beyond routine publicity. She was responsible for communications across several studio labels and advised leadership when business and reputational stakes were high.
Changes in a communications post of that scope are particularly notable during a takeover. The role helps shape how decisions are explained internally and externally, as well as how the studio presents its films, talent and broader priorities. Summey’s departure removes an executive who had been coordinating those efforts across a substantial portion of Warner Bros.’ motion picture business.
Her background also gives the move an added industry connection: before joining Warner Bros., Summey had already held senior communications responsibilities at Amazon MGM Studios and Fox, while her earlier career included a role at Paramount Pictures.
What Happens Next?
Summey’s departure may not be the final executive change of the week. Further exits are expected as Paramount assumes control of Warner Bros., pointing to continued movement within the studio’s leadership structure.