WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar plans to exit the company this Friday when the AT&T entertainment unit’s merger with Discovery wraps up. In an internal memo to staff, Kilar stated it was the right time for his departure, per TV Newser.
“With the pending transaction with Discovery nearing close, now is the right time to share with each of you that I will be departing this amazing company,” Kilar said in a memo sent to WarnerMedia staff.
“There are many feelings one could have in a moment like this, but for me, there are none bigger or more lasting than the feelings of gratitude and love that I have for this team, this company, and this mission.”
Kilar has been in the spotlight recently due to the resignation of CNN president Jeff Zucker. Kilar chose to push out Zucker for failing to reveal a personal relationship with CNN marketing and communications chief Allison Gollust, who subsequently resigned.
During his tenure at WarnerMedia, he also overhauled the company’s structure, reducing approximately 2,000 positions, including some of the most senior roles.
Kilar, who headed the launch of Hulu, moved in to help with the launch of CNN+, which went live last week following the resignation of Zucker.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Kilar stated he has “no immediate plans” for his next career move but wants to focus on technology, storytelling, and innovation. “I’m not going to retire and sit on a beach,” Kilar said.
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
