David Leavy Biography and Net Worth

As Chief Corporate Operating Officer, David Leavy manages the company’s data strategy and analytics; talent management and casting; global technology, information security and broadcast operations; corporate research; government relations, public policy and standards & practices; corporate relations; global communications and PR; creative and corporate marketing; global social responsibility and empowerment; and business operations, including real estate, security, travel and facilities.

A 21-year Discovery veteran, Leavy has played a key role in some of the company’s most significant strategic initiatives.  Most recently, he was instrumental in the successful launch of discovery+ in January 2021, including leading branding, marketing and the overall product rollout. He has played key management and operational roles in the company’s public listing on the NASDAQ exchange in 2008; Discovery’s agreement to acquire Scripps Interactive in 2018; Discovery and Eurosport’s agreement for rights to the Olympic Games across Europe; and the investment and strategic partnership with digital leader Group Nine Media.

Leavy has also led multiple company-wide internal initiatives, including Discovery’s global COVID-19 response, overseeing crisis management, business continuity, employee communications and talent mobilization efforts.

In addition, Leavy has spearheaded the development of the company’s ‘Discovery Impact’ corporate social responsibility programs, which leverage the power of Discovery’s brands, businesses and employees to give back to the world, including charitable initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, species preservation and childhood hunger; driving its ESG strategy; and serving as chair of the company’s Global Sustainability Committee.

Prior to joining Discovery, Leavy served as Chief Spokesman and Senior Director of Public Affairs for the National Security Council and Deputy Press Secretary for Foreign Affairs in the Clinton White House. In that position, Leavy handled all press issues relating to foreign policy and chaired the Interagency Public Affairs Working Group that coordinated the Clinton Administration’s long-range strategic messaging on international policy.

Leavy previously served as Assistant Press Secretary at the State Department and the White House Press Office. He is a graduate of Colby College and the Salisbury School, where he now serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.