Chris Licht, who was previously Stephen Colbert’s highest producer at CBS, was named Monday the new CNN chief. He is expected to succeed in May.

The weekend saw widespread coverage about Licht’s likely appointment to be the new chief of CNN, replacing Jeff Zucker. Licht, who was previously the chief executive of “CBS This Morning”, and “Morning Joe,” on MSNBC before moving to late-night television, had been the head of the news programs “CBS This Morning” and “Morning Joe”.

David Zaslav made the appointment. DiscoveryThe CEO is the one who will assume control of the newly merged company after Discovery acquires WarnerMedia parent CNN.

Zaslav described Licht as a “dynamic, creative producer, engaging, thoughtful journalist and true news person”.

Licht was described as “highly principled and trustworthy, who works hard and helps make any organization stronger, innovative, and more cohesive.”

Zucker was fired earlier in the month after admitting that his relationship with Allison Gollust, a CNN marketing executive and he had broken corporate rules. Gollust also left the company.

In a statement Licht promised that he would uphold the CNN legacy and continue to build on it.

He said, “I look forward to returning to journalism roots.”