Amazon MGM Studios Appoints Pia Barlow as Head of Original Series Marketing
Amazon MGM Studios has announced the strategic appointment of Pia Barlow, a seasoned marketing executive previously with HBO Max, as the new head of original series marketing. This significant move underscores Amazon MGM's commitment to strengthening its global marketing endeavors for Prime Video's extensive catalog of original programming. Barlow's arrival is set to infuse the studio with her proven leadership and innovative strategies, drawing from a rich career marked by successful campaigns for some of the most acclaimed series in recent memory. Her role will be pivotal in shaping the public's perception and engagement with Amazon's burgeoning slate of original content, ensuring maximum reach and impact in a competitive streaming landscape.
Barlow's comprehensive experience, spanning various genres and platforms, positions her as a key figure in the studio's future marketing direction. Her previous tenures at HBO Max and Netflix highlight a career dedicated to crafting compelling narratives around original series, driving viewership, and fostering strong audience connections. The creation of this new leadership position, aligning with existing structures for film marketing, signifies a unified and robust approach to promoting Amazon MGM Studios' diverse entertainment offerings. This strategic hire reflects the industry's ongoing evolution, where content marketing plays an increasingly critical role in distinguishing platforms and attracting subscribers in the ever-expanding world of streaming.
Pia Barlow's Strategic Appointment and Role
Pia Barlow, a highly experienced professional from HBO Max, is set to take on the pivotal role of head of original series marketing at Amazon MGM Studios, beginning August 3. In this capacity, she will assume comprehensive oversight of all marketing activities for Prime Video's original series, encompassing both U.S. and global productions. Her appointment is a direct reflection of her extensive background and demonstrated success in the fiercely competitive streaming content market. Barlow will report directly to Sue Kroll, the global head of marketing for film, series, and brand at Amazon MGM Studios, highlighting the critical importance of her new position within the organizational structure.
This newly established role for Barlow parallels that of Stephen Bruno, the VP of film marketing, who also reports to Kroll, indicating a streamlined and integrated approach to marketing across the studio's diverse portfolio. Barlow's responsibilities will include developing innovative strategies to promote Prime Video's original content, ensuring that new series reach wide audiences and resonate with diverse demographics globally. Her leadership is expected to significantly enhance Amazon MGM Studios' competitive edge by leveraging her profound understanding of audience engagement and content promotion in the digital era, further solidifying Prime Video's position in the global streaming industry.
A Distinguished Career in Entertainment Marketing
Pia Barlow's career trajectory showcases a remarkable history of leading successful marketing campaigns for some of the most popular and critically acclaimed series across major streaming platforms. Before joining Amazon MGM Studios, she held the esteemed position of head of originals marketing at HBO Max, where she was instrumental in orchestrating high-impact campaigns for hit shows such as "The Pitt," "Euphoria," "House of the Dragon," and "Hacks." Her portfolio at HBO Max also included laying the groundwork for the highly anticipated "Harry Potter" TV adaptation, demonstrating her ability to manage diverse and high-profile projects.
Prior to her significant contributions at HBO Max, Barlow's expertise was also pivotal at Netflix. There, she played a key role in the marketing of groundbreaking series including "Orange Is the New Black," "Master of None," "Making a Murderer," and "Queer Eye." Beyond individual series, she was also responsible for expanding Netflix's international originals marketing strategy, showcasing her global perspective and strategic vision. Barlow's journey in the industry began at HBO in 2003, where she contributed to marketing campaigns for iconic shows like "Girls," "Boardwalk Empire," and "Silicon Valley." Her rich and varied experience further includes tenures as SVP of marketing for Twentieth Century Fox Film and as an executive overseeing Netflix's global creative and social media marketing for nonfiction and kids & family originals, cementing her reputation as a versatile and influential leader in entertainment marketing.
