Justin Dini to Exit Paramount
Another top executive is set to leave Paramount following Skydance‘s acquisition of the global media company. Justin Dini, who had led corporate communications at the company, steered the company’s messaging through a number of critical moments, including the Viacom-CBS merger, the rebranding to Paramount Global, the acquisition of Pluto TV and the launch Paramount+, and…
Another top executive is set to leave Paramount following Skydance‘s acquisition of the global media company.
Justin Dini, who had led corporate communications at the company, steered the company’s messaging through a number of critical moments, including the Viacom-CBS merger, the rebranding to Paramount Global, the acquisition of Pluto TV and the launch Paramount+, and of course the leadership transition and eventual deal with Skydance.
He joined the company in 2017 from the Brunswick Group, shortly after Bob Bakish was named CEO of Viacom.
“Over the past eight years we’ve been through a lot together—rebrands and restructures, mergers and acquisitions, a pandemic, the occasional lawsuit, and more than a few pivots and peaks,” Dini wrote in a memo to staff Tuesday. “The one constant that has defined my time at this company through it all has been the quality of the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with: the very best in the business, who bring equal measures of humanity, generosity, expertise, and commitment. This team shows up each day to tell Paramount’s story—and does so with purpose, even in the most challenging moments.
“I feel enormously lucky to have been part of this team,” he added. “I’ve had the chance to work on stories that mattered, to navigate a fast-changing landscape alongside colleagues I deeply respect, and to be part of a team that cares not only about the work, but about one another. That’s rare. And it’s something I’ll always carry with me.”
In connection with Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount, a number of senior executives have left the company, most notably co-CEOs Chris McCarthy and Brian Robbins. Their fellow co-CEO George Cheeks remains with the company, leading the TV businesses.
Film chief Michael Ireland and comms exec Liza Burnett Fefferman also exited the company. Melissa Zukerman joined Paramount in connection with the deal, and now runs all communications for the company.
You can read Dini’s memo, below.
On my very first day at what was then Viacom in 2017, I walked into a war room—and, in many respects, I never left.
Over the past eight years we’ve been through a lot together—rebrands and restructures, mergers and acquisitions, a pandemic, the occasional lawsuit, and more than a few pivots and peaks. The one constant that has defined my time at this company through it all has been the quality of the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with: the very best in the business, who bring equal measures of humanity, generosity, expertise, and commitment. This team shows up each day to tell Paramount’s story—and does so with purpose, even in the most challenging moments.
I feel enormously lucky to have been part of this team. I’ve had the chance to work on stories that mattered, to navigate a fast-changing landscape alongside colleagues I deeply respect, and to be part of a team that cares not only about the work, but about one another. That’s rare. And it’s something I’ll always carry with me.
As I look aheadto my next chapter,I’m also mindful of what’s next for the team. Mel and I haveworkedtogethercloselythroughout this transitionand I’m grateful for herpartnership. I know the work is in great hands, and I’ll continue to be a resource for her and the team as she steps into the role.
It has been the ride—and the privilege—of a lifetime to help shepherd this iconic company through a period of enormous and transformational change.
Thank you again—for the trust, the partnership, and the good humor along the way. While Friday is my last day, I’ll always be a phone call away—and will be cheering you on from afar.
Best,
Justin
