Skydance Unveils Strategic Advertising Leadership After Monumental Paramount-WBD Merger

In a move that signals a significant shift in the media landscape, Skydance Corp. (NYSE:SKYD) has officially unveiled its core leadership team for its newly unified advertising business. This announcement, made on Friday, October 24, 2026, comes hot on the heels of the monumental $110 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, which Skydance completed earlier that same month. It’s a truly massive undertaking, one that demands a fresh, cohesive strategy to navigate such an expansive new empire.

To lead this formidable advertising charge, Skydance’s Chief Revenue Officer for Advertising, Jay Askinasi, has named six pivotal executives. This new structure, detailed in an internal memo and subsequently reported by Business Insider, is designed to foster a lean, efficient, and client-centric operation. Askinasi himself underscored this vision, stating, “This team reflects how we intend to work: with clear ownership, fewer layers, and leaders who are close to the work.” He also highlighted the intention to organize around client planning and buying, leveraging shared data for quicker, more informed decisions – a critical advantage in today’s fast-paced ad market.

So, who are these key players set to shape Skydance's advertising future? Let's meet them. Danielle Carney steps into the crucial role of leading U.S. sales, a vital market for any media giant. Overseeing pivotal ad partnerships will be Jill Steinhauser, while Christine Hong takes the reins of revenue operations, ensuring the financial engine runs smoothly. For those innovative projects and future-gazing initiatives, Chris Brady will lead Skydance Media Labs. Ad marketing, an essential component for brand visibility and outreach, will be managed by Ed Romaine. Finally, Evan Giamanco is tasked with product strategy and measurement, a role increasingly important for demonstrating ROI in a data-driven world.

But the leadership structure extends beyond these six core appointments, indicating a broader, integrated approach. Steve Ellis, who has been with Paramount since 2022, will now serve as Chief Operating Officer for Advertising, taking on the additional responsibility as Integration Lead for this colossal merger. Furthermore, Lee Sears is set to spearhead Paramount's international advertising business, demonstrating Skydance's global ambitions. And in a smart transitional move, Ryan Gould and Bobby Voltaggio, both Ad Sales Presidents at Warner Bros. Discovery, will continue to partner closely with Askinasi through the fourth quarter, ensuring a smooth handover and continuity.

Just think about the sheer scale of the advertising portfolio now consolidated under Skydance's wing: Paramount+, CBS, Warner Bros., HBO, HBO Max, and CNN. That's a staggering collection of premium content and unparalleled reach across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. Unifying the advertising sales and strategy for such diverse, high-value assets is no small feat, requiring both astute leadership and innovative thinking. This newly formed executive team certainly seems poised to tackle that challenge head-on, aiming to create a streamlined, powerful offering for advertisers looking to connect with vast audiences.

Ultimately, these strategic executive appointments by Skydance mark a significant step in realizing the full potential of its newly expanded media empire. By bringing together seasoned leaders with clear responsibilities, Skydance appears committed to building a unified, agile, and incredibly potent advertising force in the competitive global market. It’s a testament to the company’s vision for the future of media consumption and, crucially, how brands will connect with audiences within that evolving landscape.