David Zaslav
Summary
David Zaslav is Warner Bros. Discovery’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, a position he has held since the WarnerMedia merger closed on April 8, 2022, after leading Discovery from 2007.
Biography
Zaslav began his career as a lawyer after earning a law degree from Boston University in 1985. He joined NBC in 1989 and later became Executive Vice President of NBC and President of NBC Cable, where he helped develop CNBC and played a role in creating MSNBC. He also oversaw cable distribution, new-media activities and relationships involving several NBCUniversal networks. ([bu.edu](https://www.bu.edu/articles/2023/class-2023-senior-breakfast/?utm_source=openai)) Zaslav became President and CEO of Discovery in January 2007 and led the company until the WarnerMedia transaction closed in April 2022. In that role, he expanded Discovery’s international nonfiction, lifestyle and sports businesses and positioned the company to combine with WarnerMedia. He has led Warner Bros. Discovery since its formation and remains a member of its board. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1437107/000143710726000020/wbd-20251231.htm))
Notable achievements
- Led Discovery from 2007 until its 2022 combination with WarnerMedia, creating Warner Bros. Discovery. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1437107/000143710726000020/wbd-20251231.htm))
- Oversaw the launch of Max, combining HBO Max and Discovery+ content and technology under a broader streaming strategy.
- In 2025, WBD’s Streaming segment generated $1.37 billion in adjusted EBITDA and added nearly 15 million net subscribers, finishing the year with nearly 132 million subscribers. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1437107/000143710726000046/wbd-20260429.htm))
- In 2025, WBD’s Studios segment produced $2.55 billion in adjusted EBITDA, more than $4 billion in global box-office revenue and 11 Academy Awards. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1437107/000143710726000046/wbd-20260429.htm))
- Helped reduce WBD’s reported net debt to $29.0 billion at the end of 2025, compared with the substantially higher debt burden created at the 2022 merger. ([wbd.com](https://www.wbd.com/news/warner-bros-discovery-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2025-results?utm_source=openai))
Problem areas / controversies
- The WarnerMedia merger left WBD with a large debt burden, and analysts have criticized the company’s leverage and exposure to declining traditional television networks. ([breakingviews.com](https://www.breakingviews.com/columns/considered-view/tv-burdened-wbd-will-struggle-cut-cord-2025-06-05/))
- Zaslav faced criticism for layoffs, restructuring and the cancellation or removal of completed projects, including decisions associated with tax benefits.
- CNN experienced leadership turnover, audience and strategic challenges during his tenure, including criticism surrounding the brief Chris Licht era.
- WBD disclosed securities and shareholder litigation naming Zaslav in connection with allegations about the company’s business outlook and disclosures; the filings describe claims, not findings of liability. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1437107/000143710726000020/wbd-20251231.htm))