International leadership takes shape
When Skydance’s C-suite executives were initially unveiled following an $110 billion merger, the company’s international operations were largely left unaddressed. The initial executive appointments did not clarify who would oversee the former Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery presences outside the United States, which include hundreds of global staff across streaming, television networks such as the UK’s 5 and Australia’s Network Ten, and the distribution of major film and television franchises.
After days of uncertainty, leadership appointments at the top of the chain have emerged with some caveats. JB Perrette has been named Co-Chair and Chief Business Officer for Skydance TV and Skydance Direct-To-Consumer, taking responsibility for streaming and networks outside the U.S. Perrette previously served as President and CEO of Global Streaming & Games at Warner Bros. Discovery, where he led the international rollout of HBO Max.
Content sales and free-to-air networks
Perrette’s new role encompasses global distribution, with his newly appointed lieutenant, David Decker, taking the post of President of Content Sales. Decker is tasked with distributing major franchises from the Paramount and Warner libraries, including NCIS, The Big Bang Theory, The Bachelor, and Star Trek, around the world. Decker takes on the role amid the MIPCOM television market in Cannes, encouraging a business-as-usual approach among sellers.
Further down the international chain, questions regarding territory divisions and lower-level responsibilities remain open. CBS Chief Operating Officer Bryon Rubin has stepped in temporarily to oversee free-to-air networks 5 and Network Ten, reporting to new Skydance TV boss George Cheeks. A permanent announcement regarding those networks is anticipated in the coming weeks.
Departures and ongoing uncertainty
The leadership rollout follows the confirmed exits of potential top international candidates Kevin MacLellan and Gerhard Zeiler. Sources indicate that Zeiler pursued political ambitions, while both executives have departed following the merger. Skydance declined to comment as international insiders await further clarity amid planned synergies and potential organizational changes.