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Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav looks to channel Bob Iger

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David Zaslav is Discovery Communications’ CEO

CNBC

Hollywood may soon feel a boost in its emotional intelligence.

David Zaslav has been the chief executive officer for Discovery since its inception. Warner Bros. Discovery — the culmination of a merger announced last May. The Nasdaq’s newly merged company started trading Monday with its new ticker. WBD. Stocks were trading at $24.45 late Monday morning.

Zaslav is not a newcomer to the media landscape. As Discovery Communications’ CEO, Zaslav has led the company since 2006. Prior to that, he was the chief executive officer of Discovery Communications. (Disclosure – Zaslav is the founder of CNBC. He’s been a successful entrepreneur over the years. headlinesHis outsized compensation.

However, he has never worked as a Hollywood executive. Discovery’s programs are primarily reality television or nature-focused such as the “Shark Week” series. Zaslav spent the majority of the past year on Discovery. on an all-consuming “listening tour” of HollywoodPreparing himself to lead a company that also includes Warner Bros. Studio and HBO (the homes of Batman, “Game of Thrones” and other properties.

Although his inexperience may worry some investors, the unique mix of his experience as a veteran CEO of media and novice Hollywood executive may make him the right choice for today’s times. Goldman SachsA CEO who knows Zaslav more than 10 years. Blankfein was a direct collaborator with Zaslav. Discovery hired Goldman to finance its merger with Scripps in 2017.

Blankfein suggested that “it may be the perfect time for a young man, because the industry changes so quickly.” In most cases, experience is an asset. Too much experience in a fast-changing industry can make it a problem. David is a fairly unique combination — an old media type that’s also a fresh face.”

Zaslav was unable to respond for this article.

People choose personality over experience

Zaslav will have the opportunity to take over a position previously held by Richard Plepler, former HBO chief and ex-director.DisneyBob Iger, CEO: The gregarious and high-EQ chief executive that can communicate with Hollywood talent both as a person and as a businessman.

Zaslav’s natural curiosity and humble personality make him a great fit for Hollywood.

Freston said that although he may not have the creativity chops Iger or Plepler had, he has a very high EQ. He’s not an intelligent, all-knowing man. He is a great communicator.”

Zaslav’s rise to the top was perfect for Hollywood talent grooming. While Ted Sarandos is a veteran Netflix leader, Reed Hastings has been a Netflix leader for many years, while Ted Sarandos was a Netflix CEO, Paramount Global and NBCUniversal have had to make leadership changes in recent years. This is not Iger. Disney CEO Bob Chapek isn’t known for his people skills.Jason Kilar is the outgoing WarnerMedia CEO. he didn’t do a great job communicatingHis decision to transfer all 2021 movies from his company to HBO Max the day after they were released in theaters was a great one. coronavirus pandemic.

Freston said that Zaslav must be aware of the fact that WarnerMedia executives can still control their respective divisions. Zaslav might want lunch with all the Hollywood stars in Los Angeles, but that is not possible. moved to LA specificallyTo be able to ingratiate him with the entertainment industry, he must make sure he does not unintentionally alienate Casey Bloys (HBO and HBO Max’s chief of content) and Toby Emmerich (who runs Warner Bros.’ film studio).

Freston stated, “My advice was to meet as many people possible, but don’t disenfranchise Toby, Casey, and all the other who report to you.” Agents will be all over him. “Agents will be all over him. He has to find a way to create a barrier that doesn’t appear to shut everyone off. But he empowers them to take decisions, not run from them.”

Zaslav could also get bogged down with Hollywood minutia instead of focusing his attention on the company’s structural issues. Warner Bros. Discovery will be able to borrow $55 billion, which will make it the largest debtor company in America. likely result in coming job lossesThis could lead to a decrease in morale within the company. WarnerMedia has already absorbed several rounds of job losses and executive shake-upsThese have adversely affected culture. Zaslav will have to rebuild a culture of creativity in a division run by a telephone company since 2018.

David Zaslav

Anjali Sundaram | CNBC

Wall Street needs to be convinced that Zaslav’s company can rival Netflix and Disney+ in streaming. He is still working on that strategy, but he hasn’t yet defined it. This will require him to work with an existing legacy cable network that’s slowly dying but continues to bring in billions each year.

Graydon Carter (ex-Vanity Fair editor) said that “Iger achieved it with Disney.” He is a friend and longtime friend of Zaslav. David will want to be in Hollywood’s forefront for the next few months, or perhaps the entire first year. He’s in charge of this new administration. It’s possible that he will take a step back, as he has many tasks to complete, and his company also has many issues to address.

‘A full pizza in a box’

Zaslav is well-known as an interconnector of large personalities.

His ability to feel close with people even though surrounded by other people is one of his most memorable qualities. Zaslav hosted large parties at his Long Island home in Hamptons for hundreds. He’d go out of his way to invite people from finance, technology, media and other industries to mingle and network — and listen to famous musicians such as Diana Ross, Rod Stewart and Earth, Wind & Fire, who he’d hire to perform at his house.

Freston said, “He will get food trucks outside. Freston explained that Freston brought back a whole pizza from home one year. He’s modest, but throwing such a large party was generous of him. This may be a sign that his ambitions are being realized.

Each year, he makes it a point of sending high-quality Discovery-themed swag out to people all over the media and entertainment industries. Friends report that it’s not uncommon for them to get fleece vests and Bombas socks in the mail, along with other plush toys, in Discovery gift boxes each year.

Carter said, “He’s male Jackie O.” He was referring to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

He’s the friendliest person I have ever known. Carter stated that Carter wishes there were a fourth dinner so he could get to know more people. He’s like the guy who founded Hollywood. He feels at ease out there.”

Zaslav must earn the trust of his people beyond Hollywood. A former WarnerMedia executive stated that Zaslav’s greatest contribution is to cheerlead. Letting Warner employees know they are appreciated and valued is more important than adding your own insights.

WATCH: Michael Nathanson, Warner Bros. CEO says that he believes the best opportunity exists outside of the U.S. Discovery

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