David Leavy, CNN’s Chief Operating Officer, is set to leave his position and return to Warner Bros. Discovery, the network’s parent company. This transition comes as Leavy has had a significant impact at CNN, which began during a challenging period for the organisation.
In a memo to staff, Mark Thompson, CNN’s chairman and CEO, praised Leavy’s efforts, highlighting his role in stabilising CNN amidst tumultuous circumstances. During his tenure, Leavy worked collaboratively with senior executives, including Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, and Eric Sherling. Thompson noted Leavy’s deep connection to CNN and his commitment to supporting its journalism and brand, emphasising that he has always advocated for positive change and confidence in the network’s future.
While the specifics of Leavy’s new role within Warner Bros. Discovery have yet to be revealed, his previous responsibilities included overseeing corporate communications and research, among other vital areas. As the transition unfolds, he is expected to remain at CNN until late June.
Having spent 23 years with Warner Bros. Discovery and its predecessor companies, Leavy joined CNN in June 2023, where he was responsible for various commercial, operational, and promotional activities. He initially reported to Chris Licht, CNN’s former CEO, who faced challenges regarding declining ratings and resistance to strategic changes. Following Thompson’s arrival, Leavy became part of a senior executive team focused on maintaining operations and navigating the ongoing struggles of the flagship linear network.
In recent months, Thompson has implemented a new organisational structure, preparing the company for upcoming digital subscription launches, including a standalone app and a weather service. As Leavy prepares to depart, Thompson indicated that much of Leavy’s oversight responsibilities will be reassigned among other executives within the network.
