Discovery’s David Zaslav Extends Contract through 2019

SILVER SPRING: Discovery Communications has signed president and CEO David Zaslav to a new employment contract that sees him remain in the post through the end of the decade.

Zaslav joined Discovery in January 2007, and during that time him and his management team have overseen a global expansion that has doubled the total number of Discovery networks around the world. Discovery Communications became fully public in 2008, and since then its total market capitalization has increased from $6 billion to more than $30 billion.

The new contract is in place through December 31, 2019.

Discovery director John Malone, the chairman of Liberty Media Corporation and Liberty Global, said: "David has done a superb job. He built a strong management team that has expanded the company's reach and relevance, increased its market share domestically and around the world, and created a bigger, stronger portfolio of brands. We look forward to working with David to do more of the same over the next six years."

Discovery director Robert Miron added: "David has done a terrific job over the past seven years. This long-term commitment is equity-based, and continues to align David's performance with the company's growth and the ongoing creation of shareholder value. We are excited that David and his first-rate management team will continue driving growth across Discovery's global assets for the remainder of the decade."

"Securing David for the next six years recognizes his value to the enterprise, and provides continuity, strong leadership, and his trademark high energy to Discovery for many years to come," said John Hendricks, the founder and chairman of Discovery Communications.

"I want to thank Discovery's visionary Board of Directors, best-in-class management team, our advertising and affiliate partners, and all of the passionate viewers around the world," said Zaslav. "It has been an amazing and successful seven years, and I am excited to have the opportunity to lead this great company for the rest of the decade. With the most creative and dynamic leadership team in the business, a talented and committed workforce, a strong financial position, and an unmatched global platform, I am extraordinarily confident of Discovery's growth prospects for the years ahead."