Peter Liguori to Depart as Discovery Communications COO at Year's End

NEW YORK - Discovery Communications COO Peter Liguori, who has focused on strengthening the cable network company's OWN and other joint venture channels, will leave the company after two years as its no. 2 executive.

Discovery made the departure of the former News Corp. top executive, who reported to president and CEO David Zaslav, official in a statement on Wednesday. The company didn't give a reason for his exit, but observers have in the past suggested that Liguori could look at new opportunities in the fiction/scripted TV space.

The company said it will eliminate the COO position and distribute its responsibilities among the company's senior management team.

Liguori, who formerly ran Fox and FX, joined Discovery in January 2010 and is expected to leave at the end of the year.

Respected Discovery CFO Bradley Singer earlier this year also announced that he would leave the company in March.

At Discovery Communications, Liguori oversaw the launches of joint venture networks The Hub, OWN and 3net.

“Pete's leadership, enthusiasm and creative vision have brought a fresh and important perspective to Discovery," said Zaslav. "Around the world, our programming, marketing and promotional efforts have greatly benefited from his energy, experience and creative eye." He added: "Pete is just a terrific guy and talented executive, and I want to thank him for the many significant contributions he has made at all levels of Discovery Communications.”

Said Liguori: "My time at Discovery has been incredibly rewarding. Every day I was inspired to work alongside highly talented and hard-working staff who never ceased to surprise with their passion, expertise and commitment. It has been a privilege to have contributed to Discovery's mission and to have helped so many networks and brands grow their ambition and accelerate their creative momentum."

He added "aspecial word of gratitude to David Zaslav for his partnership and friendship and for giving me the opportunity to stretch new creative muscles in the nonfiction space."
 

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com

Twitter: @georgszalai