Ynon Kreiz will join the combined Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery as co-CEO on October 5th. David Ellison will remain Chairman and CEO as Kreiz takes on the new leadership role.
What We Know: Kreiz will become co-CEO when the Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery combination closes. Meanwhile, Ellison will retain his Chairman and CEO title, with the two executives splitting responsibilities across the new company. Kreiz joins after serving as Mattel’s Chairman and CEO since 2018. Before taking over Mattel, he served as Chairman and CEO of Maker Studios and Endemol Group.
What They Said: “Bringing together Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to create a next-generation global media company is a transformational moment for our industry. Leading it takes a rare combination of strategic vision, operational depth and experience running a public company at the highest levels of media. Ynon brings all three.
“In Ynon, I’m adding a partner with strong leadership and the operating firepower this integration demands. It’s a division of labor built on our complementary strengths, with clear reporting lines and it lets me focus where I can contribute most: long-term strategy, the company’s overall creative direction, talent relationships, strategic partnerships, technology and capital allocation. We’re like-minded, we see this business the same way and there’s no one I’d rather partner with. Together we’ll build one integrated company that is creator-first, tech-forward and built to scale globally.” -David Ellison
“I’m excited to partner with David to build the next-generation media and entertainment company — bringing together premium content and iconic brands at the highest quality and scale, serving global audiences across every entertainment vertical and distribution platform. David is a unique talent and executive: a rare blend of business acumen, creative instinct, and clear vision. I very much share that vision, and I’m inspired by what we can accomplish together.
“The industry is at an inflection point, demanding evolution, investment, and a willingness to rethink business models. I look forward to working with the leadership team to build a cohesive global entertainment platform — one that stands out with best-in-class operations and execution powered by technology, with unparalleled creative relationships, production capabilities, and global reach. We will continue empowering creators, make this company a greenfield for innovation and storytelling, and collaborate with key partners to reach and engage fans worldwide.” -Ynon Kreiz
What Remains Unclear: The new company’s name hasn’t been announced. Additionally, the precise division of responsibilities between Ellison and Kreiz will become clearer as the combined company takes shape.
What It Means: Kreiz brings extensive experience across media, entertainment, digital content and consumer brands to the combined company. His appointment also adds an executive with experience overseeing a major public company as Paramount Skydance prepares to integrate Warner Bros. Discovery’s assets and operations.
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