Paramount-Skydance union announced as bittersweet news for Brian Robbins in his farewell memo as Co-CEO, marking his departure from the positions.
Paramount Global Bids Farewell to Brian Robbins as Co-CEO
After a significant tenure at Paramount Global, Brian Robbins is stepping down as Co-CEO following the completion of the Skydance merger on August 7, 2025. The merger has brought about a major shift in ownership and leadership, with Skydance CEO David Ellison taking over as chairman and CEO of the combined company.
During his time at Paramount Pictures, Robbins oversaw an impressive seventeen No. 1 releases, including blockbusters like "Sonic the Hedgehog," "A Quiet Place," "Mission: Impossible," "Scream," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," and "PAW Patrol." His leadership also saw the studio's highest-grossing film in history, "Top Gun: Maverick," come to fruition.
Robbins joined Paramount Global in 2017 and has been a key figure in the launch and growth of Paramount+. He became President & CEO of Paramount Pictures in September 2021 and President & CEO of Nickelodeon in October 2018. During his tenure, he expressed pride in honoring the iconic heritage of Nickelodeon while building new connections with today's generation.
Notable achievements during his time at Nickelodeon include groundbreaking and Emmy® Award-winning simulcasts of the NFL Playoff and Super Bowl games.
Robbins expressed gratitude to the team for their friendship and support throughout his tenure. He is confident in the company's future with David Ellison and the incoming team from Skydance.
The executive shuffling at Paramount Global is part of a strategic restructuring and leadership realignment initiated by the new controlling entity. Jeff Shell, a RedBird veteran and former NBCUniversal executive, became president, while George Cheeks, previously Co-CEO alongside Robbins, took on the role of chair of TV media. Other key positions were filled by new executives with backgrounds in streaming and studio management.
This shuffle reflects a typical post-merger integration effort, where new owners install leadership they trust to execute their strategic priorities. The aim is to revitalize Paramount's position in the evolving media landscape through technology-enabled innovation and strategic investment.
As Robbins departs, he leaves behind a legacy of success and a strong foundation for the future of Paramount Global.
Finance and business decisions will shape the future of Paramount Global following the departure of Brian Robbins, as new leadership takes over and sets strategic priorities for the company's growth. The entertainment industry will closely watch how Robbins' successor navigates the challenges of the industry, especially in streaming and studio management.
