Discovery Communications Chief Operating Officer Peter Liguori is leaving the company after two years in the position.
Liguori, who joined Discovery in 2009 and is credited with overseeing the launches of Discovery's joint ventures in The Hub, OWN:The Oprah Winfrey Network and 3net during his tenure, will depart the company at the end of the year, according to the company.
Discovery will eliminate the COO position going forward, according to Discovery officials.
Liguori earlier this year temporarily took over the helm of OWN after the May departure of OWN CEO Christina Norman. Winfrey has since taken over the struggling network as CEO and named as co-presidents Erik Logan and Sheri Salata.
President and CEO David Zaslav said in a statement: "Pete's leadership, enthusiasm and creative vision have brought a fresh and important perspective to Discovery. Around the world, our programming, marketing and promotional efforts have greatly benefited from his energy, experience and creative eye. I am particularly grateful to Pete for tackling some pretty challenging special assignments, including the launches of our joint venture networks - The Hub, OWN and 3net. Pete is just a terrific guy and talented executive, and I want to thank him for the many significant contributions he has made at all levels of Discovery Communications."
While Liguori gave no offiicial reason for leaving, the former News Corp. programming executive said in a statement: "My time at Discovery has been incredibly rewarding. Every day I was inspired to work alongside highly talented and hard-working staff who never ceased to surprise with their passion, expertise and commitment. It has been a privilege to have contributed to Discovery's mission and to have helped so many networks and brands grow their ambition and accelerate their creative momentum.
He added, "I wish David and all my friends at Discovery continued success in the years to come."
