Skydance is putting its senior communications operation in place while saying goodbye to seven communications executives, the latest leadership changes following the close of the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger three weeks ago.

Chief communications officer Melissa Zukerman announced the new structure Friday in a staff memo, naming Laura Watson, Shannon Buck, Virginia Fout and Deborah Marcus as the four senior leaders on her immediate team.

The reorganization also introduces a “Direct to Market” function intended to expand executive storytelling across Skydance’s owned-and-operated platforms while exploring additional formats and channels. Zukerman described the initiative as an opportunity to move beyond traditional communications methods and reach audiences more directly.

She emphasized that the new approach would not reduce the importance of conventional publicity, communications work or the press. In the memo, she called for relationships with journalists to be handled with accessibility, responsiveness, candor and a commitment to facts.

The Senior Communications Team

Watson will serve as EVP and head of corporate, executive and strategic communications. Described by Zukerman as her deputy, Watson will oversee strategic and internal communications, enterprise messaging, executive communications and speechwriting. She joined Paramount in mid-2025 after leaving Warner Bros. Discovery.

Buck has been named EVP of corporate communications and media relations after previously leading communications for Paramount+. Her responsibilities will include working with Skydance’s businesses to identify and elevate major stories involving direct-to-consumer operations, advertising, marketing and distribution.

Fout, previously the owner and president of V Productions, becomes EVP of global and executive events. She will oversee global events, hospitality and executive hosting, with a focus on consistently reflecting the company’s brand and priorities through major events and engagements.

Marcus will continue as SVP and head of corporate social responsibility. She joined Paramount in August 2025 and, according to the memo, has worked to develop CSR beyond a traditional giving operation by connecting social impact with storytelling and employee engagement. Her recent work includes launching the “Ebenezer No Kid Hungry” campaign, and she is now developing a companywide Season of Giving.

Three divisional communications leaders will also have dotted-line relationships with Zukerman’s leadership team: Chris Ender for Skydance TV, Brooke Robertson for Studios and Jeff Cusson for direct-to-consumer. The communications organization will additionally work with Games & Experiences, Consumer Products, Government Relations, News and Sports.

Seven Communications Executives Are Leaving

The formation of the senior team comes with a significant round of departures spanning both Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Those leaving are Arielle Falkowitz, WBD’s SVP of corporate relations and global events; Megan Klein, WBD’s SVP of communications; Joe Libonati, WBD’s SVP of communications; Adrienne O’Hara, WBD’s EVP and chief communications and public affairs officer; Karen Shosfy, Paramount’s SVP of communications; Heather Wagoner, WBD’s SVP of internal communications, creative and brand; and Dennis Williams, WBD’s SVP of corporate social responsibility and corporate affairs.

Zukerman thanked the departing executives for their partnership and contributions, while acknowledging that building the new organization required difficult decisions about its structure, priorities and working methods.

A Communications Strategy Built Around Skydance’s Priorities

The memo positioned communications as a central part of advancing the company’s broader strategy. Zukerman said the corporate communications function will handle enterprise and executive messaging while working closely with communications teams embedded throughout the individual businesses. She described that model as one already tested at Paramount.

She also outlined three company priorities set by David and Ynon: establishing Skydance as a leading Hollywood content engine and destination for storytellers; accelerating an integrated direct-to-consumer platform through content, technology and fan experience; and optimizing the linear television portfolio anchored by CBS.

Those goals are tied to an ambition to create a highly technologically capable media company while keeping human creativity central to storytelling. The communications team, Zukerman said, will be responsible for presenting the work of the company’s storytellers, creatives, technologists and business leaders, including their successes, progress and challenges.

ShowBiz Take

This shake-up is about more than assigning titles after a merger. Skydance is defining how it intends to present the combined company, with a communications model that pairs traditional media relations with greater control over executive messaging on its own platforms.

The seven departures also show the personnel consequences of bringing established Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery teams into one organization. At the same time, the dotted-line structure for TV, Studios and direct-to-consumer communications signals an effort to keep individual businesses connected to a centralized corporate strategy.

The new Direct to Market operation may be the clearest indication of where that strategy is headed: Skydance wants additional ways to tell its story in its own voice, without abandoning its relationships with journalists and traditional publicity channels.

What Happens Next?

The communications buildout is not finished. Zukerman said Skydance plans to add dedicated leaders for financial communications and product and technology communications.

Those future roles are expected to strengthen coverage of areas that the company considers increasingly important, ranging from AI tools for filmmakers and creatives to advertising sales. No names or timing for those appointments were announced.