Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) CEO David Zaslav is selling over 4 million shares, worth north of $114 million, according to an SEC filing. This comes as the company nears a deal with Paramount Pictures, which it agreed to sell for $31 a share.
Other top executives, including CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels and President Gerhard Zeiler, are also selling significant amounts of shares, worth tens of millions of dollars each. The sales come as a trading window opens for executives involved in deal negotiations.
Zaslav, who is one of the highest-paid media CEOs, will receive a substantial windfall when WBD is sold to Paramount. He will also receive cash severance, bonuses, and other benefits under his employment agreement if there’s a change in control at the company.
The sale has raised concerns among some critics, with Zaslav being labeled “the Ghoul of Hollywood” due to his compensation packages. However, others praise his success and compensation as a reward for his hard work.
Source: https://deadline.com/2026/03/david-zaslav-cashes-in-warner-bros-discovery-stock-1236743138