Skydance Shuffles Distribution Ranks as Eight Executives Depart Following Major Merger

Skydance has announced new leadership for its distribution operations while eight executives exit the company in the wake of the Paramount-Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery merger.

Published 3 November 2026

Leadership Restructuring at Skydance

Skydance has officially shaken up its distribution ranks by appointing Sarah Bergman and Mickey Carter to spearhead its distribution business. This major reorganization comes on the heels of the massive merger between Paramount-Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery that was completed last month.

According to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters and sent by Skydance president of distribution Ray Hopkins, the newly appointed leaders will spend the upcoming weeks organizing and finalizing the structure of their respective departments.

Eight Executives Set to Depart

The corporate shakeup involves the departure of eight high-level executives from the combined entity. Four of the departing figures hail from the Warner Bros. Discovery side, including Rivka Golomb, Kelly Kane, Jeff Cross, and Rich Palermo.

The remaining four outgoing executives originate from Paramount. This group includes David Comisar, Kurt Davis, Deena Demasi, and Ken Kay, marking a significant transition in leadership for both legacy companies.

New Appointments and Key Roles

Alongside the new top leadership, the internal memo also named seven other executives from both Paramount and Warner Bros. to critical leadership roles reporting directly to Bergman and Carter.

Sarah Bergman currently serves as executive vice president of networks and streaming distribution for Warner Bros. Discovery, while Mickey Carter holds the position of executive vice president of US distribution for Paramount.

The Core Function of Distribution

The distribution arm of the newly formed media giant plays a vital role in securing business agreements. Their primary focus centers on negotiating deals with cable operators, satellite providers, local television stations, and streaming platforms to ensure widespread carriage of the company's content library.

Merger Scale and Financial Strategy

The corporate restructuring follows the completion of the massive $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount-Skydance, with the unified organization operating under the Skydance banner. Led by David Ellison, the media giant is actively pursuing at least $6 billion in planned savings.

These financial maneuvers are critical as the company manages approximately $80 billion in combined debt amidst a rapidly evolving Hollywood landscape heavily influenced by streaming growth and ongoing industry consolidation.

Advisory Transition for Jeff Cross

Among the departing Warner Bros. Discovery executives is Jeff Cross, who currently serves as executive vice president of legal, distribution, and commercial partnerships.

While stepping down from his executive post, Cross will stay on with the company as a senior advisor to the distribution business. His previous duties will be transitioned to Rick Baker, who serves as Paramount executive vice president and deputy general counsel for distribution business and legal affairs.

Broader Workforce Impact

The latest executive departures are part of a broader workforce transition following the merger. Last month, Skydance extended offers for a one-time voluntary buyout to certain employees.

Based on annual filings from both Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery released in 2025, the combined enterprise is expected to maintain an overall workforce of roughly 53,000 employees.

News Overview

Skydance has restructured its distribution division by appointing Sarah Bergman and Mickey Carter to lead the business following its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The corporate transition involves the departure of eight executives from both legacy companies and aims to address financial savings and debt management under the leadership of Ray Hopkins and David Ellison.

Key facts

  • Skydance named Sarah Bergman and Mickey Carter to lead its distribution business following the merger of Paramount-Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery last month.
  • Eight executives are set to leave the company, including four from Warner Bros. Discovery and four from Paramount.
  • The Warner Bros. Discovery departing executives are Rivka Golomb, Kelly Kane, Jeff Cross, and Rich Palermo.
  • The Paramount departing executives are David Comisar, Kurt Davis, Deena Demasi, and Ken Kay.
  • The Paramount-Skydance takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery was valued at $110 billion.
  • Skydance is targeting at least $6 billion in planned savings while managing about $80 billion in combined debt.
  • Jeff Cross will leave his role as EVP of legal, distribution and commercial partnerships but remain as a senior advisor.
  • Rick Baker will take over Jeff Cross's duties.
  • The combined company is expected to have about 53,000 employees based on 2025 annual filings.