Anyone here exit from IB to the media sector - in particular companies like Disney, Warner Bros (or one of its many previous incarnations), NBC, Netflix, etc? It seems that quite a few senior executives in the space have banking backgrounds, like Kareem Daniel from Disney or Priya Dogra from Warner Bros. Is media a space where bankers can do more than just corp dev/finance, and instead actually move into operational roles?
Note: By "operational roles" I mean senior leadership within the core business (Daniel leads all Disney media and entertainment while Dogra has full oversight of EMEA programming/content/etc), as opposed to just support roles like finance. Basically, anything with P&L responsibility.
TLDR: Can bankers exit to general management roles in media, instead of just finance/corp dev?
Corporate superstars at senior positions have more options. I think it has to do more with their performances at their corporate positions rather than their past experience as a banker.
Also I've met some corporate execs who say bankers always make good employees due to their work ethic and attention to detail.
So is this a thing across industries then? Can bankers move into general management roles, instead of being pigeonholed into long-term FP&A roles? For context, both of the people I mentioned above started in corp dev/strategy after their banking stints, and now lead major business units. Is this something that happens a lot for bankers?
Hey! I work at one of the companies that you listed in strategy/corp dev and came from IB. Shoot me a PM and I’d be happy to help if I can.
Can I PM you still if possible? Current undergrad interested in media
Former colleague went to Disney in corp dev and then later transitioned to upper management and runs a large division. It's not straightforward, but you can do it. Corp dev will be your easiest path in, but if they like you, you can move into more traditional management.
How would you rate an analyst/associate position at Disney corp dev today? Is it still a good entry point into media, tech?
Honestly, no idea. She did 3 years of BB IB -> PE for 2 years ->MBA at H/S/W and is now a Sr VP at Disney. We worked together 20 years ago but not that much has changed in recruiting. I'd say it's a great entry point, but a lot of it depends on you.
Just another quick thought on this - people who are constantly asking about why IB or is being an analyst worth it - this is the real, long term reason. You'll make great friends who end up in super interesting places. I still talk to tons of my analyst class friends 20 years later. All of them have done well across PE, HF and corp roles. We've all done various favors for each other over the years or shared knowledge. I think that aspect of why do IB is often missed.
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