David Decker Named EVP Of WBDTD

Fifteen-year Warner Bros. veteran David Decker today was appointed executive vice president of Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution (WBDTD), adding oversight of station sales to his role, it was announced today by Jeffrey Schlesinger, president, Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution.

With today’s announcement that Ken Werner is stepping down from his position as president of WBTDT, Rick Meril, EVP and general sales manager, WBDTD Distribution, who is responsible for syndication station sales, will now report to Decker. Decker will continue to be responsible for domestic television sales to pay, cable, D2 and on-demand platforms.

“David has done a great job of dramatically growing our multiplatform business over the last three years,” said Schlesinger. “His combination of strategic thinking, smart salesmanship and strong leadership are a true asset and he’s ready to take the next step. Having worked side by side with Ken for many years, enables us to have a seamless transition in our domestic television distribution business as we begin the new year.”

Decker has served as WBDTD’s EVP of cable and SVOD sales since January 2015.  Before that, he was EVP, business and legal affairs for worldwide television distribution, overseeing legal and business affairs for television distribution of Warner Bros. product.

Previously, Decker was charged with oversight of business and legal affairs of domestic television distribution and Telepictures Productions, where he oversaw business operations for the company’s first-run syndication production arm responsible for programs such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show and TMZ.

Prior to joining Warner Bros. and Telepictures, Decker spent six years at Stone Stanley Entertainment, lastly as SVP, business and legal affairs.

He holds a juris doctor from Loyola Law School (Los Angeles) and a bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College.