David C. Leavy has been appointed COO of CNN Worldwide, effective June 20.
A 23-year veteran of Discovery Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery, he will assume responsibility over commercial, operational and promotional activities across CNN Worldwide, reporting into Chris Licht, Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide.
Commenting on the appointment, Licht said: “David’s deep operational experience, institutional knowledge and key industry relationships perfectly complements the strengths of our leadership team.
“He is a strategic, versatile and dynamic executive who will work with myself and the senior leadership team to help transform our business as we get the full programming slate on the air, build out our digital future and grow the CNN brand around the world. Everyone who works with David has seen how his energy, work ethic and collaborative style positively impacts an organization, and I can’t wait for him to join me and the CNN team”.
Leavy currently serves as chief corporate affairs officer for Warner Bros. Discovery and will maintain public policy and social responsibility oversight on behalf of Warner Bros Discovery going forward.
Leavy was instrumental in many of the company’s most significant strategic initiatives, including the successful launch of discovery+ in 2021; the company’s public listing on the NASDAQ exchange in 2008; its agreement to acquire Scripps Networks Interactive in 2018; and Discovery and Eurosport’s agreement for rights to the Olympic Games across Europe. Prior to joining Discovery, Leavy served as chief spokesman and senior director of public affairs for the National Security Council and as deputy press secretary for foreign affairs in the Clinton White House.
Leavy sits on the boards of the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI).
