HBO Max‘s Spanish local originals chief, José María Caro, is stepping down after a review at the Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) streamer.

Caro has “mutually agreed to part ways” with HBO Max, with his team reporting into Deniz Sasmaz Oflaz in her new role as HBO Max’s VP, Local Originals for Spain, Italy and Turkey, in the interim. A replacement for Caro, who was Director of Local Originals, is being sought.

A memo from Oflaz, seen by Deadline, outlined the changes to staff today.

“Following recent changes to the International Local Originals structure, led by Sarah Aubrey and in light of my expanded role as VP Local Originals for Spain, Italy, and Turkey for HBO Max, we have been reviewing our local setup and priorities,” wrote Oflaz.

“As part of this review, José María Caro and the company have mutually agreed to part ways, and José María will be stepping down from his role leading local original production in Spain. Since January 2025, José María has overseen the delivery of several successful Spanish originals, including When No One Sees Us and Rage, whose second season is currently in production.”

Oflaz thanked Caro and wished him “every success in his next chapter.”

Caro had joined Warners in April 2024, and took on his current post in January 2025 after Alberto Carullo, then VP of Productions for Italy and Iberia at what was Max, left WBD to join Mediaset. WBD is stressing his departure won’t lead to a downsizing in Spanish originals.

“We remain firmly committed to premium Spanish storytelling and building a strong future slate,” Oflaz wrote today. “This includes a recently signed first‑look deal for HBO Max with independent producer Domingo Corral, with the first scripted project already in development.”

At Series Mania, HBO Max originals chief Aubrey unveiled the partnership with former Movistar Plus+ boss and ex-Warner exec Corral.