David Ellison of Paramount Skydance Corp. said that former Mattel Inc. CEO Ynon Kreiz will become co-CEO of the combined company once the pending $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. is completed.
According to a statement released by Paramount on Wednesday, Ellison will remain chairman of the company. Executives will report to both leaders. Ellison said, "Ynon is a partner with strong leadership and operational strength, which is exactly what this integration requires."
This appointment is just one of several leadership changes expected at Paramount. As Ellison builds a team that blends top talent from Warner Bros. with seasoned executives like Kreiz, he will oversee the complex merger. The deal will bring two major film studios, streaming platforms, television network assets, and news media under a single ownership.
A federal judge in California signed an agreement that resolved a lawsuit brought by 12 state attorneys general opposing the merger, thereby clearing the way for the deal to be completed.