Mark Graboff is leaving Warner Bros. Discovery after eight years at the company and its predecessor, Discovery. Inc. Graboff, a respected veteran television business executive, just announced his decision to the company’s employees. A key member of the executive team of David Zaslav, CEO of Discovery – and now WBD – Graboff transitioned to the combined company following the merger of Discovery and Warner Media. Most recently to Kathleen Finch, chairman and chief content officer, US Networks Group, Graboff reported in December after helping with the transition.
“My decision to leave was not easy and I struggled for months. But with my contract expiring next spring and the ongoing transition of our newly merged company, the timing made sense,” Graboff wrote in the memo, a copy of which was obtained by Deadline. (You can read the full article below.)
According to sources, Graboff had the option to extend the contract but chose to leave, a move that would ease WBD’s $3 billion cost-cutting burden on the division. He has not retired and is expected to consider his next move after the break.
During his 2015-2022 tenure, Graboff negotiated the BBC’s Natural History Score deal, various high-profile talent deals (including Mike Rowe, Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay and the Property Brothers), as well as the commission and renewal of successful franchises. 90 Day Finance, Deadliest, Beat Bobby Fly, Serengeti And Top Gear America.
Prior to joining Discovery, Graboff was President of Core Media Group from 2012-2015. Take control of it. American Idol At Fox, the management and ultimate sale of Elvis Presley Enterprises and the acquisition of Sharp Entertainment, producer of the highly successful 90 Day Finance franchise on TLC.
Graboff’s career has been closely tied to NBC, where he spent the years from 2000-2012, including headlines with Ben Silveman as co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and NBC Universal Television Studios. Beginning as EVP Business Affairs and eventually progressing to President Business Operations, Graboff Frasier, The West Wing, ER and Friends deals and made the first NBC-Universal post-merger general deal with Dick Wolf.
From 1996-2000 at CBS as SVP Business Affairs, he negotiated the basic deal. A survivor.
Here is his note:
all of them,
It is with mixed emotions that I share my decision to step down as President, Global Business and Legal Affairs and Content Supply Chain, effective later this year.
From now on, I will be working with Kathleen’s senior US network team on the transition. Our common goal is to ensure the most efficient and effective structure for the organization. To that end, Kathleen will be sharing some more corporate announcements soon.
My decision to leave was not easy and I struggled for months. But with my contract coming this spring and the ongoing changes to our newly merged company, the timing made sense.
I am honored to be part of this organization and to work with some of the most talented executives in our industry. My colleagues in the global business and legal affairs team, as well as in our global product management organization, are the best in their class and I have no doubt that they will continue to excel in the years to come.
Between now and December 31st, I hope to be able to speak to as many of you as I can to personally thank you for making these past 8 years the most rewarding of my professional life. thank you.
good luck,
Mark
