David Berson has named the executive team that will run Skydance’s global sports group. Additionally, the new structure will likely bring layoffs prior to the end of the year.
What We Know: Berson joined CBS Sports in 2011 after 16 years at ESPN. He became president in 2013 and president and CEO in 2024. Now, following the Paramount-WBD merger that closed October 6, he leads the combined global sports group. Meanwhile, Jeff Gerttula, Craig Barry, Patty Power and Dan Weinberg anchor his new leadership team according to an internal memo Thursday.
What’s At Stake: The leadership team for Berson is as follows:
Jeff Gerttula – Executive Vice President and Managing Director. Overseeing digital, international, strategy and business development for sports. Joining Gerttula’s team will be Bennett Spector to oversee Bleacher Report and House of Highlights. Also, Yang Adija with focus on digital strategy and operations.
Craig Barry – Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer. Oversight on all production, including remote and live event production, studio production, on-air talent, features, creative content, graphics and editorial.
Patty Power – Executive Vice President, Operations and Engineering. Oversight on day-to-day operations and engineering. This includes remote technical operations, production management, engineering, post-production and media operations, and on-air operations.
Dan Weinberg – Executive Vice President, Programming. Head of the combined programming group overseeing programming strategy, rights acquisitions, program development, scheduling, and relationship management with our league partners.
Chris Carter – Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer.
Kelly Dunne – Executive Vice President, Marketing.
Jen Sabatelle – Executive Vice President, Communications.
Bryn Berglund – Senior Vice President, Human Resources.
Doug Bernstein – Senior Vice President, Insights and Audience Strategy. Doug will oversee all audience research efforts for sports.
Kevin Glidewell – Senior Vice President, Legal.
Deanna O’Toole – Senior Vice President, Business Affairs.
What Remains Unclear: However, the announcement did not say how many jobs will be cut as part of the merger. Furthermore, it did not address how the CBS Sports and TNT Sports brands will coexist from broadcast to staffing to rights.
What It Means: Ultimately, Berson now has a clear chain of command over one of sports media’s largest rights portfolios. In addition, the lineup blends CBS Sports executives with TNT Sports veterans like Barry and Bennett Spector. Meanwhile, Chris Carter, Kelly Dunne, Jen Sabatelle, Kevin Glidewell and Deanna O’Toole lead finance, marketing, communications, legal and business affairs. Still, the likihood of layoffs show the merger’s cost cutting will more than likely reach the sports division. Moreover, Sports Business Journal has already reported that Nate Smeltz, Senior VP for talent relations, global communications, client events & partnerships will be departing.
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