Paramount Skydance on Monday confirmed the leadership structure of the combined company ahead of the expected close this week of its $81 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
David Ellison, Paramount’s CEO, will serve as chairman and chief executive of the combined company, dubbed Skydance, alongside co-CEO Ynon Kreiz, the outgoing CEO of Mattel. Ellison will oversee long-term strategy, creative vision and direction, including talent relationships, strategic partnerships, technology and capital allocation. Kreiz will handle day-to-day management and the integration of the businesses. Paramount disclosed Kreiz’s appointment last week.
The appointments follow a federal judge’s approval last week of Paramount’s settlement with 12 state attorneys general, resolving an antitrust case and clearing the way for the deal to close.
Andy Gordon, currently Paramount’s chief strategy officer and chief operating officer, will become president of the combined company. More than a dozen leaders across corporate, business and news functions will report directly to Ellison and Kreiz.
Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein will be co-chairs of Skydance Motion Picture Group. Peter Safran and James Gunn will be co-chairs of DC Studios. Dennis Cinelli will remain chief financial officer. Casey Bloys, HBO and HBO Max content chief, will oversee all streaming programming for the combined company.