Within days, Paramount Global and its CBS News & Stations unit will become a part of Skydance Media, the producer of Mission Impossible films starring Tom Cruise led by David Ellison.
While many are bracing for what could be a massive reduction-in-force tied with the $8 billion merger’s closing, others are wondering who will be in the combined executive leadership mix. We now have the answer, with Ellison at the top.
Indeed, Ellison will serve as Chief Executive Officer, as Skydance believes his new executive team “will bring unparalleled industry expertise, visionary thinking, and a winning spirit to support a strong culture of innovation and excellence” at Paramount Global.
Skydance believes the new executive team will be comprised of “highly accomplished industry veterans, who bring with them complementary capabilities and strategic insight spanning entertainment, technology, business operations, and the world at large to drive Paramount’s transformation for the future.”
With Ellison as CEO, Jeff Shell will take, as expected, the President post. He’s the ex-NBCUniversal CEO who held the role from January 2020 through April 2023. His career also includes an executive role at Comcast running its programming group, and executive positions at News Corporation, Fox, The Walt Disney Company, and Salomon Brothers.
George Cheeks will serve in the role of “Chair of TV Media,” as Chief Creative Officer of Skydance Dana Goldberg will serve as Co-Chair of Paramount Pictures and Chair of Paramount Television.
These appointments come as the role of Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Operating Officer will be held by Andy Gordon.
Additionally, the following appointments were confirmed on Monday morning ahead of the Opening Bell for U.S. financial markets:
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Josh Greenstein will serve as Co-Chair of Paramount Pictures and Vice Chair of Platforms
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Cindy Holland will become Chair of Direct-to-Consumer
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Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon will act as General Counsel and Acting Chief Legal Officer. She is General Counsel & Co-President of Business Operations at Skydance.
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Jim Sterner will direct Human Resources as Chief People Officer
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Melissa Zukerman will lead all public relations and investor relations news as Chief Communications Officer
Andrew Warren will continue as Interim Chief Financial Officer.
Future Chairman/CEO Ellison said he was thrilled to introduce the new executive leadership team — “backed by deep industry experience, proven track records, and a shared commitment to excellence, this world-class team is uniquely equipped to rise to the occasion and deliver on our bold vision for a new Paramount. Each member was chosen to align with our goals and with the intention to drive transformation. Together, we will foster an environment where creative and technical talent collaborate seamlessly, marrying leading technologies with powerful storytelling and artistic vision to unlock Paramount’s full potential and help shape the future of our industry.”
Paramount Global opened Monday’s trading on the Nasdaq at just under $13 per share.
