Karen Jones, HBO/HBO Max’s executive vice president and head of communications, is leaving the company after 23 years.
Jones sent a memo to colleagues on Thursday announcing her departure.
“This won’t come as a surprise to some of you, as I’ve spoken candidly about my desire to have a next chapter, to chase new dreams and start paying it forward with more intention,”Jones said this in her note. “It has been an incredible ride, and I’m tremendously grateful for all the adventures and to those with whom I’ve shared this journey. It’s the shoulder-to-the-wheel mindset that will always define us.”
Her time with the cable television company spans over 23 years. Her first job at HBO was in 1999. She has been with the company since then, and has held various roles over the years. Most notably, she produced publicity campaigns for HBO original programming. “Westworld,” “Lovecraft Country,” “Perry Mason,” “Silicon Valley,” “Chernobyl,” “Olive Kitteridge,” “The Pacific,” “The Normal Heart,” “Game Change,” “Taking Chance”More.
Jones was promoted to EVP of Communications for HBO in 2019, later adding oversight of HBO Max’s original slate the following year.
“I send a full-throated cheer to the hardest-working media relations team,”Her memo went on. “It has been my distinct privilege, and I have no doubt that you will continue to bring inspired, dauntless passion to the work that you do every day.”
Jones was a publicist for feature films before joining HBO. Some of her most memorable projects were “Mars Attacks!,” “Menace II Society” “Beloved.”
In a statement, Chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max Casey Bloys stated that Jones was someone he could always count upon.
“I could always rely on Karen to be the most thoughtful and insightful voice in the room,” Bloys said. “Over the past several years, she played a pivotal role in guiding us in the right direction through a period of transformation. She has been equally deft in leading the dynamic, talented team rolling out some of our most successful, award-winning programs. We are all sad she has decided to leave but have great respect for her desire to pursue a new path. We all wish her the best.”
