Discovery Communications Names Mark Hollinger As Chief Operating Officer
16-year Veteran Assumes New Position January 1, 2008
January 3, 2008
(Silver Spring, Md.) Discovery Communications today announced that longtime Discovery executive Mark Hollinger has been promoted to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer, reporting to President and CEO David Zaslav.
"Today’s announcement codifies what has been the reality for a long time: Mark is the operational leader of this company. Mark is one of the most talented and innovative strategist across the media industry and embodies the values, integrity and passion at the heart of why Discovery is such a trusted and reliable organization," said Zaslav. "As Chief Operating Officer, Mark will lead our efforts to operate Discovery in the most efficient and effective manner possible, and support a strong creative culture that produces the highest quality nonfiction content. His fluency in the domestic and international businesses and his overall experience will be critical as Discovery prepares for the next step in our long-term growth strategy."
Hollinger oversees Discovery Networks International and Discovery Commerce, and manages Corporate Operations, including information technology, media services, administration, business affairs, corporate communications, corporate marketing and research, and production management. He is also overseeing Discovery’s legal, government affairs, and standards and practices functions, as the company searches for a new general counsel.
In his expanded role as Chief Operating Officer, Hollinger assumes responsibility for Discovery Studios, including the Discovery Films unit and Discovery’s internal content production operations. Additionally, the Chief Operating Officers from Discovery’s businesses now will become functional reports to Hollinger. These key leaders will continue to report directly to the Presidents of their operating units, but this new functional reporting line to Hollinger will strengthen the levers, coordination and controls across the company.
"This is a significant time in Discovery’s history, and I could not be more excited for the opportunity to continue supporting the company’s success and growth," said Hollinger. "David Zaslav is a dynamic leader with a clear vision for Discovery, and I am honored to be a partner in working with him and the entire senior management team to further strengthen Discovery’s leadership position, as well as the core values that always have been part of the company’s mission."
Hollinger joined Discovery Communications in 1991 as vice president and deputy general counsel. In 1994, he was named acting general manager for Discovery Channel Asia. Based in Hong Kong, he was responsible for overseeing and coordinating all activities related to the operation and launch of Discovery Channel Asia.
In 1995, shortly after his return from Asia, Hollinger was appointed vice president, international business development in addition to his role as vice president, deputy general counsel. He became Discovery’s general counsel and was also given responsibility for Discovery’s business affairs group in 1996. He assumed responsibility for the production management department in 1999 and was named EVP, Corporate Operations in 2001. From 2003 to 2007, Hollinger was senior executive vice president, corporate operations and general counsel. Most recently, he served as president, Global Businesses and Operations, and general counsel.
Before joining Discovery, Hollinger was a senior associate in the entertainment department of the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in New York City. He also lectured on entertainment law at Columbia Law School. Hollinger received his J.D. from Yale Law School and holds a B.A. degree (summa cum laude) in history and political science from Colgate University.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications is the number-one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery's 100-plus worldwide networks are led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, The Science Channel, Discovery Health and HD Theater, with digital media properties including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information please visit www.discoverycommunications.com/.