Skydance Distribution Chief Ray Hopkins Names Leadership Team, Eight Executives Exit
Ray Hopkins sent an internal memo on Tuesday outlining new distribution roles, with Sarah Bergman and Mickey Carter named EVP, Distribution, and eight senior executives departing.
Skydance distribution president Ray Hopkins sent an internal memo on Tuesday naming his new leadership team and confirming the departure of eight senior executives, according to Deadline. Sarah Bergman and Mickey Carter were appointed EVP, Distribution, and will jointly oversee distribution deals.
Also named to the team were Brad Shipley as EVP, Business Development & Strategy; Patrick Cavanaugh as EVP & CFO, Distribution Finance; and Rick Baker as EVP, Deputy General Counsel, Distribution, Business & Legal Affairs. The memo also listed SVP appointments including Joe Bahr as SVP, Partner Operations; Andrew Borak as SVP, Marketing; Bob Aguanno as SVP, CBS Affiliate Relations; and John Bagwell as SVP, Associate General Counsel.
The executives leaving Skydance include Rivka Golomb, Kelly Kane, Jeff Cross, Rich Palermo, David Comisar, Kurt Davis, Deena Demasi and Ken Kay.
The distribution portfolio now includes CBS owned-and-operated stations, 55 basic cable networks, two premium networks, Paramount+, HBO Max, Discovery+, Pluto TV and more than 100 FAST channels.
Background
The Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger into Skydance recently closed, following a $110 billion transaction that left Skydance with almost $80 billion in debt. A consent decree established by state attorneys general in an antitrust lawsuit resolution requires Skydance to negotiate carriage deals for the Paramount and WBD assets as though they were still run by separate companies. The distribution moves were first reported by Reuters on Tuesday.
Quick answers
Who is leading Skydance's distribution team?
Sarah Bergman and Mickey Carter were named EVP, Distribution, and will jointly oversee distribution deals, among other appointments announced by Ray Hopkins.
Which executives are leaving Skydance?
Eight senior executives are exiting: Rivka Golomb, Kelly Kane, Jeff Cross, Rich Palermo, David Comisar, Kurt Davis, Deena Demasi and Ken Kay.
What channels and platforms are in the distribution portfolio?
The portfolio includes CBS owned-and-operated stations, 55 basic cable networks, two premium networks, Paramount+, HBO Max, Discovery+, Pluto TV and more than 100 FAST channels.