Andrew Warren to Depart Discovery Communications

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SILVER SPRING: Andrew Warren, who currently serves as Discovery Communications’s chief financial officer, is slated to leave the company at the end of the year.

During his nearly five years at Discovery Communications, Warren has led the financing and financial integration for the $1.7 billion acquisition of SBS Nordic and the acquisition of Eurosport. He also led more than $3 billion of U.S. dollar and Euro debt issuances as well as the company’s successful tax and capital allocation strategy. In addition, Warren established a global finance team, contributed to the company’s upgrade in technology infrastructure, and managed the financing for a number of global deals focused on IP and content investment, including Discovery and Liberty Global’s JV acquisition of All3Media, and Discovery’s agreement to acquire the multiplatform rights for the Olympic Games in Europe starting in 2018.

An internal and external search for a new CFO will begin immediately. Howard Fischer Associates has been tapped to lead the search.

“Discovery is a better company because of Andy Warren and I cannot say enough about his commitment and collaboration over the past many years,” said David Zaslav, the president and CEO of Discovery Communications. “Andy has brought a focus on capital allocation and our balance sheet that has helped drive strong organic and free cash flow growth. Under his guidance we have invested in more original content and sports IP, diversified our global businesses and platforms and developed innovative currency and tax management strategies. He has been a valued partner to me and a dedicated leader for our company. On behalf of the entire management team and our Board of Directors, I thank him for his numerous contributions to Discovery’s success and I am pleased he will remain with the company through the end of 2016, ensuring a smooth transition.”

“I am enormously grateful to David and the company for the opportunities I have had since joining in 2012 and am proud of what we accomplished,” added Warren. “Discovery has a remarkable management team, unparalleled assets and the unquestionable ability to win through its unique global content position and strategy. I plan to remain a long-term shareholder. My decision to leave at the end of 2016 was a difficult and personal one, yet I look forward to my next career opportunity.”