Netflix and Paramount are engaged in a high-stakes bidding war for Warner Bros.—a contest that could reshape the future of the film industry. However, the primary beneficiary may not be the company that eventually secures rights to major film series such as Batman, Harry Potter, and Barbie. It could potentially be the individual at the heart of the turmoil: Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav.
TL;DR
- Netflix and Paramount are in a bidding war for Warner Bros., potentially benefiting CEO David Zaslav.
- Zaslav's compensation could exceed $1 billion if a deal is finalized, making him a non-founder billionaire.
- His career includes roles at NBC, Discovery Communications, and spearheading the WarnerMedia merger.
- Zaslav emphasizes relentless hard work, stemming from a youthful tennis experience, as key to success.
This 65-year-old executive has consistently ranked among the media's top earners, receiving a remuneration of $51.9 million in 2024 by himself—despite the firm navigating layoffs and strategy turmoil.
Earlier this year, Zaslav secured a fresh agreement laden with additional stock awards potentially valued over $420 million, with the final remuneration contingent upon the success of Netflix’s $27.75-per-share cash-and-stock bid or Paramount’s hostile $30-per-share cash offer.
Should either transaction be finalized, the combined value might elevate Zaslav’s personal fortune beyond $1 billion, as indicated by Bloomberg—positioning him among an exclusive cohort of chief executives who aren't founders, such as Tim Cook, Satya Nadella, and Jamie Dimon, who have attained billionaire status.
David Zaslav didn't achieve his dream of becoming a tennis star, leading him to pledge he'd never be outdone by hard work again.
Zaslav commenced his professional journey in corporate law, subsequently channeling his aptitude for strategy and deal-making into the media sector. He joined NBC in 1989, playing a role in the inception of CNBC. He advanced to the position of president for NBCUniversal's cable, domestic television, and new-media distribution divisions, prior to being selected to head Discovery Communications as its chief executive officer in 2006, where he managed properties such as TLC and Animal Planet.
In 2022, Zaslav spearheaded the significant Discovery-WarnerMedia merger, granting him authority over major holdings, such as HBO, CNN, and TBS, in addition to Warner Bros’ extensive movie and television production facilities.
However, Zaslav asserts that his genuine advantage stems not from opportune moments or good fortune, but from a nearly relentless dedication to his work.
He grasped that truth through difficult experience during his youth chasing tennis greatness. Having demonstrated early aptitude, he reduced his training regimen, believing his natural ability would suffice. Several months afterward, the situation became clear. His instructor—renowned tennis icon Althea Gibson—informed him directly that he wasn't dedicating sufficient effort. And by that point, the opportunity had passed.
“By the time I was 14 years old, I was getting beat by most of the people I was used to beating,” Zaslav recalled at Boston University’s commencement in 2023. “I had already watched all the players I grew up with blow right by me. It was a painful experience. It’s painful to be outworked. I lost a little piece of my identity—but I vowed that day I would never be outworked again.”
Zaslav informs Gen Z that diligent effort is the paramount factor for achievement—he continues to rise at 4:45 a.m. To put in the work.
Armed with his own experience, Zaslav warned Boston University graduates that talent is important, but just an “entry ticket.” More importantly, you have to commit yourself to working hard—and that doesn’t stop even once you reach the top.
“If you really want to realize your full potential, you cannot focus solely on what you’re good at—that’s the easy stuff,” Zaslav added. “You’ve got to put more effort toward the things you’re not good at and work at getting better at them. It’ll make a huge difference.”
Zaslav continues to demonstrate his dedication to diligent effort each morning, commencing with an early wake-up at 4:45. He then traverses the avenues of Manhattan, frequently walking an hour and a half from his residence on Central Park West to his workplace on 19th Street, either engaged in phone conversations or enjoying music.
That same self-control informed the advice he offered to Gen Z graduates—and could potentially set them on a path to becoming billionaires, mirroring his own success.
“Create your own opportunities, and even if you have to make a big change, find a way to do what you really love,” Zaslav said at Boston University, adding: “Never, never, never get outworked.”
