WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar has decided to exit his role ahead of the company’s merger with Discovery, which is expected to occur after aquisition finalization on April 11, 2022.
Presently an AT&T owned brand, Warner announced the anticipated merger last year and have gone through a rigorous process to accomplish the acquisition of the company by Discovery.
After the dust settles post-merger Discovery head David Zaslav is predicted to manage the soon to be combined company, which will be rebranded as Warner Bros. Discovery.
“With the pending transaction with Discovery nearing close, now is the right time to share with each of you that I will be departing this amazing company,” Kilar wrote in a memo sent to staff. “There are many feelings one could have in a moment like this, but for me there are none bigger, or more lasting, than the feelings of gratitude and love that I have for this team, this company, and this mission. I’ve never been more fulfilled professionally.”
Killar continued to say that he has never been happier professionally citing the team is responsible for that contentment.
“We’re leading the industry creatively,” Kilar continued. “We’ve elevated technology, product, and design to the highest levels in the company. We’re operating as one team, proudly and successfully going direct to consumers across the globe. It has been deeply gratifying to lean into the future alongside each of you and to do so with conviction.”
Kilar was hired as CEO in April 2020 while WarnerMedia was preparing to launch their streaming service HBO Max.