Silver Spring, Maryland – Discovery Communications has announced that Discovery Networks International President & CEO Mark Hollinger has announced his resignation, effective June, 2014. Hollinger is responsible for the strategic development and daily operations for a division that distributes 42 entertainment brands, in 45 languages, to more than 1.6 billion cumulative subscribers in 224 countries and territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

“I informed David Zaslav last week of my intention to step down when my contract is up next June. Having spent 150 or so days away from home during each of the last several years, most often many time zones away, I am looking forward to being back in the U.S. full-time and spending more time with my family. It really is the only reason I would leave such a terrific company and such a wonderful team of people. Working at Discovery has been one of the great joys of my life, and I couldn’t be prouder of all that the company has accomplished in my time here,” Hollinger said.

President and CEO David Zaslav said, “Mark is a consummate professional and amazing leader who has made a huge impact on all of us at Discovery Communications over the 23 years he has been at the company, and I am so grateful for his contributions, leadership and unwavering integrity. It is no surprise that the sense of family and being home for his wife and children has brought Mark to the realisation that now is a good time to come back to the U.S. full-time to be with them. While this is a great loss to the company, I could not be happier for him or more supportive of his decision.”

Hollinger joined Discovery Communications in 1991 as Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, and subsequently served in numerous leadership roles across the company, including Chief Operating Officer; President Global Businesses & Operations; and Senior Executive Vice President & General Counsel. 

Discovery will begin a search for Hollinger’s successor immediately.