Skydance Sports Group Announces New Executive Team After Merger

Skydance’s Global Sports Group, created following the $110 billion merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, has unveiled a new executive lineup. Chairman David Berson, a former CBS Sports executive, appointed veteran executives Jeff Gerttula and Craig Barry to key positions as part of a broader reorganization.

Gerttula, who previously led digital initiatives at CBS Sports, will serve as executive vice president and managing director, overseeing digital, international strategy and business development for sports. Berson said, "As we are still assessing the international structure and operating model, Jeff will be the point person with the international sports teams."

Barry, a longtime Turner Sports executive, was named executive vice president and chief content officer. In that role he will direct all production activities, including remote and live-event production, studio work, talent, features and editorial.

The announcement also detailed additional appointments across operations, programming, finance, marketing, communications, human resources, audience research, legal and business affairs. Notable departures include former TNT Sports communications chief Nate Smeltz, CBS production EVP Harold Bryant and several other senior staff.

The restructuring aligns with the typical pattern in large media mergers, where executives from the acquiring side—Paramount’s parent company—assume most senior roles.