Zucker resigns from CNN over undisclosed relationship

The relationship was with Allison Gollust, the chief marketing officer for CNN, who plans to remain with the network, CNN reported. Zucker did not name Gollust in his memo.

“Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years,” Gollust wrote in a statement to The New York Times. “Recently, our relationship changed during Covid. I regret that we didn’t disclose it at the right time. I’m incredibly proud of my time at CNN and look forward to continuing the great work we do everyday.”

In an email to staffers on Wednesday, Jason Kilar, the CEO of CNN parent company WarnerMedia, said he had accepted Zucker’s resignation and the search for a replacement would begin immediately.

“We will be announcing an interim leadership plan shortly,” Kilar wrote. “Both of these organizations are at the top of their respective games and are well prepared for their next chapters.”

Before joining CNN, Gollust served as communications director for former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), who resigned last year amid allegations of sexual misconduct. 

Cuomo’s brother, Chris Cuomo, was fired by Zucker as a prime-time host in December after it was revealed the host worked with top aides to his brother to help the governor fight the allegations. 

After Cuomo’s firing from CNN, the company said it would internally “investigate as appropriate.”

–Updated at 11:53 a.m.