David Leavy Leaves CNN, Returns to Warner Bros. Discovery

Radio & Television Business Report

David Leavy, who joined CNN as Chief Operating Officer during one of the most turbulent periods in the network’s history, is leaving the cable news brand and returning to Warner Bros. Discovery, where he previously spent over two decades.

Leavy stepped into CNN’s leadership in 2023, following the abrupt departure of then-chairman Chris Licht. Initially brought on during Licht’s programming overhaul, Leavy transitioned into a co-leadership role alongside Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, and Eric Sherling, and later continued to serve as COO under current CNN Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson.

According to a memo from Thompson, Leavy will spend the next several weeks overseeing a transition before moving into a new, unspecified role at Warner Bros. Discovery. His departure comes as CNN continues its broader pivot toward digital subscription models, including the forthcoming launch of a standalone streaming platform later this year.

Thompson credited Leavy with playing a central role in stabilizing CNN during its post-Licht reorganization, noting his leadership across divisions including revenue, operations, data, and promotions. With Leavy’s departure, a number of reporting lines will shift internally. Phil Nelson’s international revenue teams, Emily Kuhn’s communications group, and Sam Felix’s partnership division will now report directly to Thompson. Other structural changes include realignments under CFO Adam Cohn, Global News head Virginia Moseley, and executive Amy Entelis.

Anne Gordon, who served as Leavy’s top deputy, will remain with him as he transitions back to Warner Bros. Discovery.

Radio & Television Business Report