Mark Hollinger Exiting Discovery

SILVER SPRING: Mark Hollinger, the president and CEO of Discovery Networks International, has announced his resignation, effective June 2014.

Hollinger is currently responsible for the strategic development and daily operations for the division, which distributes 42 entertainment brands to more than 1.6 billion cumulative subscribers in 224 countries. His remit spans Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific and Latin America. Hollinger has been with Discovery since 1991, when he joined as VP and deputy general counsel. He has gone on to hold numerous leadership roles at the company, including COO; president of global businesses and operations; and senior executive VP and general counsel.

Hollinger commented: “I informed David Zaslav last week of my intention to step down when my contract is up next June. Having spent 150 or so days away from home during each of the last several years, most often many time zones away, I am looking forward to being back in the U.S. full-time and spending more time with my family. It really is the only reason I would leave such a terrific company and such a wonderful team of people. Working at Discovery has been one of the great joys of my life, and I couldn't be prouder of all that the company has accomplished in my time here.”

David Zaslav, Discovery's president and CEO, said, "Mark is a consummate professional and amazing leader who has made a huge impact on all of us at Discovery Communications over the 23 years he has been at the company, and I am so grateful for his contributions, leadership and unwavering integrity. It is no surprise that the sense of family and being home for his wife and children has brought Mark to the realization that now is a good time to come back to the U.S. full-time to be with them. While this is a great loss to the company, I could not be happier for him or more supportive of his decision.”