Warner Bros. Discovery filed a lawsuit against Amazon in California Superior Court, claiming the technology company engaged in an illegal campaign to recruit its contracted employees in breach of their agreements. The suit specifically targets Amazon’s hiring of Pia Barlow, a senior vice president of originals marketing at HBO Max, as a primary example of what WBD characterizes as systematic employee poaching.
Barlow’s employment contract with WarnerMedia Services was not scheduled to expire until Oct. 31, 2027, according to WBD’s complaint. Amazon MGM Studios announced on Friday that Barlow would assume the newly created position of head of original series marketing, with a start date of Aug. 3. The lawsuit alleges that Amazon deliberately induced Barlow to leave by offering a higher compensation package, knowing she was contractually bound to remain with Warner Bros. Discovery for more than 16 months.
Warner Bros. Discovery contends that Amazon’s actions constitute intentional interference with contractual relations, inducing breach of contract, interference with prospective economic advantage, and unfair competition under California law. The company claims Amazon not only recruited Barlow but also provided her with legal representation through a law firm with established ties to Amazon. WBD states that Barlow notified the company of her intention to resign on May 26, with formal notice submitted on June 5.
According to WBD’s complaint, Barlow is not the only target of Amazon’s recruitment efforts. The lawsuit indicates Amazon attempted to recruit another WBD executive whose contract was not set to expire until December 2027, though that effort was unsuccessful. WBD further alleges Amazon is currently attempting to interfere with the employment contract of at least one additional WBD executive. The company seeks unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief. Amazon MGM Studios declined to comment on the litigation.
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