12 Skydance Charts Reveal Which Execs Gained Power in Streaming, Tech and the Paramount-WBD Merger
Ellison sets out leadership team
Skydance recently informed employees about changes to their teams. On Friday evening, the company sent a broad email with links to memos describing its new leadership structure. The appointments offer a clearer view of the team Ellison has assembled as he seeks to build Skydance into a streaming competitor to Netflix and Disney. The company’s content includes HBO, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, CNN, CBS and cable networks such as HGTV, TNT and MTV.
Product and technology roles shift
Paramount executives will make up most of Skydance’s product and technology teams, which sit under product chief Dane Glasgow. The advertising unit is led by Jay Askinasi, the company’s chief revenue officer for advertising.
Former WBD technology chief Avi Saxena and streaming product chief Tyler Whitworth are set to leave. By contrast, Skydance’s streaming business is led by longtime HBO chief Casey Bloys and includes several leaders from WBD.
Leaders across major groups
The leadership lists identify direct reports to JB Perrette, co-chair and chief business officer for Skydance TV and DTC, and George Cheeks, co-chair and content chief of Skydance TV. They also cover teams reporting to David Berson, chairman of the global sports group; Dennis Cinelli, chief financial officer; Jose Turkienicz, president of global operations; and Melissa Zukerman, chief communications officer.
Key points
- David Ellison’s leadership team is intended to help Skydance compete with Netflix and Disney.
- Product and technology teams will be led mostly by Paramount executives.
- Casey Bloys heads streaming, with several leaders from WBD.
- Former WBD leaders Avi Saxena and Tyler Whitworth are set to leave.