Skydance Announces New Communications Leadership and Executive Departures
Skydance's chief communications officer Melissa Zukerman named four senior executives to lead corporate communications, media relations, events and CSR, while confirming the exit of several senior communications staff from the former Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery units.
Skydance Communications chief Melissa Zukerman sent a memo to staff on Friday outlining the company's new senior communications team and noting the departure of several executives from the former Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery groups. Zukerman said the restructuring will allow the studio to "rethink how we communicate – moving beyond traditional channels and finding new ways to reach people directly" and introduced a "direct to market" function aimed at expanding executive storytelling on owned platforms.
The four appointed leaders are Laura Watson, EVP overseeing corporate, executive and strategic communications; Shannon Buck, EVP of corporate communications and media relations; Virginia Fout, EVP responsible for global and executive events; and Deborah Marcus, SVP heading corporate social responsibility. Zukerman indicated plans to add dedicated heads for financial communications and product and technology communications in the future.
The memo also thanked departing communications staff, including Arielle Falkowitz, Megan Klein, Joe Libonati, Adrienne O’Hara, Karen Shosfy, Heather Wagoner and Dennis Williams, for their contributions. Zukerman emphasized the importance of close collaboration with business units and the goal of building stronger, more direct connections with audiences.