John Malone to Move to Chair Emeritus Role at Warner Bros. Discovery, Stay “Actively Involved”

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John Malone’s position at Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), under CEO David Zaslav, is undergoing an adjustment. On Friday, the media conglomerate announced that the cable TV and telecom pioneer will be shifting from his current role as a board director to the new position of chair emeritus.

The action enables Malone, at 84 years old, to continue being an active participant on the board and a significant advisor to Zaslav and his executive team, while also retaining a substantial share of WBD. However, he is now relieved from handling day-to-day board details.

With WBD’s forthcoming annual shareholders meeting, Dr. Malone will no longer be running for re-election as a standard board member, due to his new position. However, in his role as “chair emeritus,” Dr. Malone will continue to regularly participate in board meetings and offer strategic guidance and assistance to the board and executive team, as emphasized by the conglomerate.

Serving on the Warner Bros. Discovery board has been an honor, collaborating with David and his remarkable team during our groundbreaking merger and subsequent transformation. Throughout this experience, I’ve valued my enduring partnership with David, which is based on strong trust and his unique blend of exceptional management skills and bold decision-making.

Malone commented: “The board and executive team have made remarkable strides in making the company more robust, adaptable, and geared for prosperous expansion. I am optimistic that Warner Bros. Discovery is on the correct course, and I’m eager to continue my active participation, not just as a substantial shareholder, but also in this crucial role assisting in determining the growth trajectory as the company considers significant strategic and structural possibilities in its future, and as a fan of our exceptional assets and the captivating narratives that distinguish this company.

Zaslav praised Malone, stating that he “has one of the sharpest strategic minds in the history of our industry.” He went on to say, “John’s exceptional insights and visionary outlook on the global media landscape have been incredibly beneficial for me personally, playing a crucial role in charting Discovery’s course and its subsequent growth. Collaborating with John has significantly enhanced our capacity to handle intricate problems, capitalize on transformative possibilities, and establish enduring value.

In his latest position, it was highlighted by the CEO that “John’s exceptional guidance, extensive knowledge, and clear-sighted perspective will persistently influence our leadership group and board’s decision-making processes as we maximize the capabilities of our company.

Zaslav expressed that the partnership and camaraderie forged over three decades has been a source of immense pleasure throughout his career, and he is eager to carry on this adventure alongside John in their latest position.

Toward the close of March, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) welcomed Anton Levy, a seasoned professional in private equity and technology, onto its board of directors. This move was prompted by Sessa Capital, an activist hedge fund, which had amassed approximately a 1 percent stake in the company and urged WBD to bring on new board members and expedite restructuring processes. Earlier this year, WBD had already appointed Anthony Noto and Joey Levin to its board.

With Levy and Malone taking on the position of chair emeritus, the WBD board will still consist of 13 members.

According to Samuel Di Piazza, Jr., the chairman of WBD, “John has played a crucial part in shaping our strategy at Warner Bros. Discovery and guiding us through the complex media environment we find ourselves in today. It’s an advantage for us that he brings his unmatched knowledge and wisdom to his new position.

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2025-04-11 15:24