David C. Leavy has been named the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CNN Worldwide, according to an announcement made today by Chris Licht, Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide.
Leavy, who brings 23 years of experience at Discovery Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery, will assume responsibility for commercial, operational, and promotional activities across CNN Worldwide, reporting directly to Licht. He is set to begin his role on June 20.
“David’s deep operational experience, institutional knowledge and key industry relationships perfectly complements the strengths of our leadership team,” said Licht.
“He is a strategic, versatile and dynamic executive who will work with myself and the senior leadership team to help transform our business as we get the full programming slate on the air, build out our digital future and grow the CNN brand around the world. Everyone who works with David has seen how his energy, work ethic and collaborative style positively impacts an organization, and I can’t wait for him to join me and the CNN team.”
Currently serving as the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for Warner Bros. Discovery, Leavy will continue to oversee public policy and social responsibility for Warner Bros. Discovery in his new position at CNN Worldwide.
During his tenure at Discovery, Leavy held the position of Chief Corporate Operations Officer, where he played a pivotal role in various strategic initiatives. These included the successful launch of discovery+ in 2021, the company’s listing on the NASDAQ exchange in 2008, the acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive in 2018, and the agreement between Discovery and Eurosport for the rights to the Olympic Games across Europe.
Prior to joining Discovery, Leavy served as the Chief Spokesman and Senior Director of Public Affairs for the National Security Council, as well as the Deputy Press Secretary for Foreign Affairs in the Clinton White House.
Leavy is actively involved in the industry and holds positions on the boards of the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). He is a graduate of Colby College and the Salisbury School, where he currently serves as the co-chair of the board of trustees.