Paramount film chief Brian Robbins exits ahead of Skydance takeover

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Brian Robbins, Co-CEO of Paramount Global, announced his departure on Wednesday, just one day prior to Skydance Media’s absorption of the entertainment company, marking his exit.

Anticipated was the action, as Skydance revealed their new executive team just this past week. This announcement implied their intention to restructure the leadership within Robbins’ domain – the renowned Paramount Pictures situated on Melrose Avenue.

Robbins has led the movie studio since 2021.

In a new leadership arrangement, longtime Ellison associate Dana Goldberg and former Sony executive Josh Greenstein will share the position of studio heads, acting as co-chairpersons. Meanwhile, Don Granger, another Skydance executive, ascends to the role of Motion Pictures President, reporting directly to Goldberg and Greenstein.

Skydance’s $8.4-billion takeover of Paramount is scheduled to be finalized on Thursday.

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In simpler terms, long-time assistant to Tom Hanks, Dana Goldberg, along with ex-Sony executive, Josh Greenstein, are set to lead Paramount Pictures following a recent takeover by Skydance. However, only one high-ranking Paramount executive, George Cheeks, will continue in his position after the acquisition this week.

Robbins, a veteran producer and once-child actor, started working for Paramount (formerly Viacom) in 2017. He oversaw Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, focusing on revitalizing popular series, eventually being promoted in April 2024. Subsequently, he became one of three CEOs assigned to manage the company following the departure of former CEO Bob Bakish.

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Brian Robbins, head at Nickelodeon, is devising a strategy to rejuvenate the iconic children’s TV network that is currently grappling with intense competition from streaming services.

Over a period of 15 months, Robbins, George Cheeks (CBS’s CEO), and Chris McCarthy navigated the company through challenging times marked by financial strains, declining cable television viewers, and substantial workforce downsizing.

As a die-hard cinema lover, I found myself caught in the whirlwind of speculation when news broke that our controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, was considering selling off the company. This development only served to heighten the tension among us, as we nervously awaited the next move.

Amongst the senior executives at Paramount, only he remains with the new proprietors. In his new role, he serves as the chairperson for TV media, overseeing assets such as CBS properties and cable television networks like MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and BET.

McCarthy, the executive responsible for thriving cable networks such as “Yellowstone” and “South Park,” has resigned as the Redstone era draws near its end.

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In the world of cinema, I, an ardent film enthusiast, can’t help but share some exciting news on the horizon. It seems that the Larry Ellison clan and RedBird Capital Partners are gearing up to steer the ship known as Paramount in the very near future. Among this dynamic duo, my friend David Ellison, aged 42, is set to don the hats of both chairman and CEO. Exciting times for movie lovers like myself!

In simpler terms, Robbins expressed that when he first stepped onto the Paramount Pictures set as a new filmmaker years ago, he never dreamt he’d eventually be given the responsibility to head this renowned studio. He noted in a letter to his team on Wednesday that it has been an immense honor for him to collaborate with such an exceptional group of individuals throughout his career.

In his message, Robbins highlighted initiatives aimed at revitalizing long-lasting franchises such as “Sonic the Hedgehog”, “Scream”, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Mission: Impossible”.

The team, collaborating with Skydance, played a significant role in producing the movie “Top Gun: Maverick,” which became the highest-earning film in Paramount’s over-a-century-long history.

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2025-08-07 02:01