Skydance and Paramount Finalize Executive Leadership Team Ahead of Merger

Skydance and Paramount announce a new leadership team ahead of their merger, with David Ellison as CEO and Jeff Shell taking over as President.

Amelia Trent
Amelia Trent - Culture & Lifestyle Correspondent

Skydance and Paramount Announce New Leadership Structure

This morning, Skydance Media revealed the executive team set to lead the company following its merger with Paramount Global, which is scheduled to complete on August 7.

The official announcement highlighted a team of industry veterans, emphasizing their strategic expertise across entertainment and technology, poised to guide Paramount’s transformation.

Company Structure

The newly combined company will be organized into three primary business segments:

  • Studios
  • Direct-to-Consumer (DTC)
  • TV Media

Executive Leadership Team

The confirmed executive leadership includes:

  • David Ellison – Chief Executive Officer
  • Jeff Shell – President
  • Andy Gordon – Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Operating Officer
  • George Cheeks – Chair of TV Media
  • Dana Goldberg – Co-Chair of Paramount Pictures and Chair of Paramount Television
  • Josh Greenstein – Co-Chair of Paramount Pictures and Vice Chair of Platforms
  • Cindy Holland – Chair of Direct-to-Consumer
  • Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon – General Counsel and Acting Chief Legal Officer
  • Jim Sterner – Chief People Officer
  • Melissa Zukerman – Chief Communications Officer
  • Andrew Warren – Interim CFO

Leadership Insights

David Ellison expressed enthusiasm about the new leadership team, stating, “I’m thrilled to introduce our 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.” He emphasized the intention to foster collaboration between creative and technical talent.

Key Roles Defined

Details on specific responsibilities were also shared:

  • Jeff Shell will manage daily operations across the media businesses.
  • Andy Gordon, a veteran of Goldman Sachs, will focus on corporate strategy and operations.
  • George Cheeks will oversee CBS-branded properties including CBS News and CBS Sports.
  • Dana Goldberg will supervise film and television production, having previously produced major projects like “The Adam Project” and the “Mission: Impossible” series.
  • Josh Greenstein will shape the long-term vision for the company while leveraging his marketing expertise.
  • Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon will handle legal and compliance matters across global operations.
  • Cindy Holland will direct operations for Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
  • Jim Sterner aims to cultivate a culture of innovation as Chief People Officer.
  • Melissa Zukerman will lead the company’s communication strategies and corporate social responsibility efforts.

Changes at the Top

The leadership announcement comes in the wake of significant changes within Paramount Global; co-CEOs Chris McCarthy and Brian Robbins are both stepping down. As previously indicated, Chris McCarthy announced his departure ahead of the merger, marking a significant shake-up.

This executive team is expected to steer the newly formed conglomerate into its next phase, emphasizing a blend of creative storytelling with advanced technologies.

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