Jeff Zucker is resigning from his position as president of CNN Worldwide.Zucker, 56, announced his departure from the role in a staff memo on Wednesday. The media executive explained that the decision for him to resign was made after he failed to disclose a “consensual relationship” with a colleague.“As part of the investigation intoChris Cuomo’stenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years,” the statement read, perCNN. “I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t. I was wrong. As a result, I am resigning today.“For more on Jeff Zucker’s resignation from CNN, listen below toour daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day.Zucker did not disclose the colleague’s identity in the memo, but the network confirmed his relationship was with chief marketing officer Allison Gollust. She will continue to remain at the company.“I came to CNN on January 28, 2013. Together we had nine great years,” Zuckercontinued. “I certainly wish my tenure here had ended differently. But it was an amazing run. And I loved every minute.“Added Zucker, “I am grateful to the thousands of incredibly talented CNN and Turner Sports employees who helped make this such a joy for me, and such a success for all of us. I wish each of you nothing but the best in the years ahead.“Jeff Zucker.J. Countess/GettyJason Kilar, the CEO of CNN parent company WarnerMedia, said in an email to employees that he has “accepted Jeff Zucker’s resignation as Chairman of WarnerMedia News and Sports, and President of CNN Worldwide.““We thank Jeff for his contributions over the past 9 years,” the statement continued, per CNN. “We will be announcing an interim leadership plan shortly. Both of these organizations are at the top of their respective games and are well prepared for their next chapters.“Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.PEOPLE has reached out to CNN for comment.Before becoming president of CNN Worldwide following Jim Walton’s tenure, Zucker served as president and CEO of NBCUniversal.In his personal life, Zucker was married to Caryn Nathanson from 1996 to 2019. They had four children together.CNN has been embroiled in scandal as of late. Ahead of Zucker’s resignation, Cuomo, 51,was terminatedfrom his longtime anchor role for his involvement in defending brotherAndrew Cuomoamid sexual misconduct allegations.The formerCuomo Prime Timehost was alsoaccused of sexual misconductdays before his firing, but he denied the allegations.Veteran CNN producer John Griffin was thencriminally chargedafter being accused of trying to sway mothers of young daughters to allow the children to be sexually submissive to him. His three counts carry a minimum of 10 years in prison, according to theNew York Post.
Jeff Zucker is resigning from his position as president of CNN Worldwide.
Zucker, 56, announced his departure from the role in a staff memo on Wednesday. The media executive explained that the decision for him to resign was made after he failed to disclose a “consensual relationship” with a colleague.
“As part of the investigation intoChris Cuomo’stenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years,” the statement read, perCNN. “I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t. I was wrong. As a result, I am resigning today.”
For more on Jeff Zucker’s resignation from CNN, listen below toour daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day.
Zucker did not disclose the colleague’s identity in the memo, but the network confirmed his relationship was with chief marketing officer Allison Gollust. She will continue to remain at the company.
“I came to CNN on January 28, 2013. Together we had nine great years,” Zuckercontinued. “I certainly wish my tenure here had ended differently. But it was an amazing run. And I loved every minute.”
Added Zucker, “I am grateful to the thousands of incredibly talented CNN and Turner Sports employees who helped make this such a joy for me, and such a success for all of us. I wish each of you nothing but the best in the years ahead.”
Jeff Zucker.J. Countess/Getty
Jason Kilar, the CEO of CNN parent company WarnerMedia, said in an email to employees that he has “accepted Jeff Zucker’s resignation as Chairman of WarnerMedia News and Sports, and President of CNN Worldwide.”
“We thank Jeff for his contributions over the past 9 years,” the statement continued, per CNN. “We will be announcing an interim leadership plan shortly. Both of these organizations are at the top of their respective games and are well prepared for their next chapters.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
PEOPLE has reached out to CNN for comment.
Before becoming president of CNN Worldwide following Jim Walton’s tenure, Zucker served as president and CEO of NBCUniversal.
In his personal life, Zucker was married to Caryn Nathanson from 1996 to 2019. They had four children together.
CNN has been embroiled in scandal as of late. Ahead of Zucker’s resignation, Cuomo, 51,was terminatedfrom his longtime anchor role for his involvement in defending brotherAndrew Cuomoamid sexual misconduct allegations.
The formerCuomo Prime Timehost was alsoaccused of sexual misconductdays before his firing, but he denied the allegations.
Veteran CNN producer John Griffin was thencriminally chargedafter being accused of trying to sway mothers of young daughters to allow the children to be sexually submissive to him. His three counts carry a minimum of 10 years in prison, according to theNew York Post.
source: people.com
