Paramount Skydance Leadership Team Announced

The combined company has unveiled its new executive team ahead of the formal merger closing date.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration showing a structural column and steel beam meeting, symbolizing corporate integration and new leadership. — Paramount and Skydance have confirmed a new executive leadership team led by David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz, following the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Paramount and Skydance have confirmed the new executive leadership team for the combined company, which will operate under the Skydance name. The leadership announcement follows the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Why it matters

The new leadership structure is designed to drive transformation and growth for the combined entity. These executive appointments establish the corporate strategy for the firm following its high-profile acquisition.

The leadership team includes eight key executive roles spanning corporate, business, and news divisions. David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz will serve as top leadership and sit on the Board of Directors.

The players

David Ellison

He will serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the combined Skydance company.

Ynon Kreiz

He will serve as the Co-Chief Executive Officer and join the Board of Directors.

Mark Thompson

He is appointed as Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of CNN Worldwide.

Bari Weiss

She has been appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief of CBS News.

Andy Gordon

He will serve as the President of the combined Skydance company.

The details

David Ellison will serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, while Ynon Kreiz steps into the role of Co-Chief Executive Officer. Other notable appointments include Andy Gordon as President of Skydance, Mark Thompson as Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of CNN Worldwide, and Bari Weiss as Editor-in-Chief of CBS News.

The merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to close on October 6, 2026.
The current AEW media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery remains valid until the end of 2027.
The AEW media rights deal includes an optional extension for 2028.

Market Landscape

The formation of this combined company highlights the aggressive consolidation currently reshaping the global media landscape. This move positions the new entity to better compete against dominant tech and streaming rivals by centralizing assets and editorial oversight.

Consumers should anticipate potential shifts in content strategy across CNN, CBS News, and DC Studios under the new management team. These leadership changes may eventually influence programming availability and the long-term direction of media rights deals, such as the current agreement with AEW.

The takeaway

The consolidation of these major media brands marks a pivotal shift in how news and entertainment content will be produced and distributed. Viewers should keep an eye on how these new editorial leaders influence the tone and focus of their respective networks in the coming years.