SEC filing Warner Bros. Discovery David Zaslav golden parachute Paramount deal entertainment industry CEO compensation executive pay corporate governance stock options

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO’s 2025 Pay Package Triples to $165 Million

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav saw his total compensation triple in 2025, soaring to $165 million, according to a company filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dated Thursday.

The majority of Zaslav’s 2025 pay package—$110 million—came from stock options awarded for his initial proposal to split the company into two separate entities. The remaining components of his compensation included:

  • A $3 million base salary
  • $22.6 million in stock awards
  • A $25.7 million cash bonus

This total places Zaslav at the top of the compensation rankings among entertainment industry CEOs, significantly outpacing peers such as:

  • Bob Iger (Disney): $45.8 million
  • David Ellison (Paramount): $63.2 million
  • Brian Roberts (Comcast): $35.1 million

Controversial Golden Parachute Looms Despite Shareholder Rejection

Zaslav’s compensation news arrives amid ongoing controversy surrounding his proposed $887 million golden parachute, tied to a potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery to Paramount. Last week, company shareholders voted against the exit package, but the vote was advisory and non-binding. As a result, Zaslav could still receive nearly $1 billion upon his departure from the company.

The proposed golden parachute has drawn sharp criticism from investors and corporate governance advocates, raising questions about executive compensation practices in the entertainment sector.

Source: The Wrap
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