Jim Gianopulos Named Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures

Last week, TheWrap reported that Viacom was close to formally naming him the successor of Brad Grey, who stepped down on the heels of a public mandate from Bakish for improved financial performance at the “Transformers” studio.

“Jim is a remarkably talented executive with all the tools – strategic vision, strong business expertise, deep industry and creative relationships – to bring films to life that resonate throughout culture and deliver commercial results,” said Bakish.

Looking ahead, I see a strong opportunity to position the studio for success by creating valuable franchise opportunities, developing fresh creative ventures, and mining Viacom’s deep brand portfolio to bring exciting new narratives to life.

[...] importantly, he’ll be charged with setting a new strategic direction for Paramount, focusing on bringing fresh story-driven content – including properties from Viacom’s flagship brands – to audiences, and expanding the studio’s global footprint.

For 16 years, he served as Chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment, where he oversaw numerous box office smashes, ranging from “Avatar” and the “X-Men” series, to “The Descendants” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” and most recently “Deadpool” and “Hidden Figures.”

Amidst all of this, Jim has found the time to serve as Treasurer of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, Chairman of the Motion Picture & Television Fund, and a Trustee of Carnegie Melon University and the American Film Institute.  

[...] I’d like to thank everyone at Paramount for their continued dedication throughout this transition.