David Zaslav (born January 15, 1960) is an American media executive who has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) since the company's formation in April 2022. A veteran of the cable television industry, Zaslav is recognized for his long tenure as the CEO of Discovery, Inc., and his role in consolidating major media assets into one of the world's largest entertainment conglomerates. Born in New York City to a Jewish family of Polish and Ukrainian descent, Zaslav was raised in Rockland County, New York. He attended Binghamton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He subsequently attended the Boston University School of Law, graduating with honors and a Juris Doctor degree in 1985. Zaslav began his professional career as an attorney at the New York firm LeBoeuf, Lamb, Leiby & MacRae, where he focused on corporate law and gained early exposure to the entertainment and cable industries. Zaslav’s career in media began in 1989 when he joined NBCUniversal. During his 18-year tenure at the network, he held various executive roles, most notably as President of Cable and Domestic TV and New Media Distribution. In this capacity, he was instrumental in the development and launch of cable networks, including CNBC and MSNBC. He also oversaw NBC's interests in various other networks, such as Bravo and the Sci-Fi Channel, while managing distribution and affiliate agreements. In 2006, Zaslav was appointed President and CEO of Discovery Communications. Under his leadership, the company underwent a strategic transformation, shifting from a traditional cable company to a multi-platform content provider. He oversaw the launch of several networks, including Investigation Discovery and the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), and led the company’s expansion into direct-to-consumer streaming with the introduction of discovery+. In 2018, he directed the acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive, which brought brands such as HGTV and Food Network into the Discovery portfolio. In April 2022, Zaslav spearheaded the merger between Discovery, Inc. and AT&T’s WarnerMedia, creating Warner Bros. Discovery. As CEO of the combined entity, he focused on integrating large-scale assets, including Warner Bros. Pictures, HBO, CNN, and various cable networks, while navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing media landscape characterized by the decline of linear television and the high costs of streaming content. His tenure at WBD has been marked by significant operational restructuring, cost-reduction initiatives, and a strategic emphasis on profitability. In early 2026, amid ongoing industry consolidation, Warner Bros. Discovery entered into an agreement for acquisition by Paramount Skydance, a process managed under Zaslav’s leadership. Throughout his career, Zaslav has served on the boards of various organizations, including Sirius XM, Grupo Televisa, and the Paley Center for Media. He has been recognized for his contributions to the industry with inductions into the Cable Hall of Fame and the Cable TV Pioneers, among other honors. He is also a recipient of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award and has been involved in philanthropic efforts related to Holocaust awareness. Zaslav is married and is a father of three.