Matt Thunell Announces Leadership Team for Revived Paramount Television Studios

Matt Thunell, President of Paramount Television Studios (PTVS), has announced the studio's new leadership team following its revival. The structure integrates executives from Skydance Television and Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, the primary entities merged into PTVS.

Shelley Zimmerman and Carolyn Harris, formerly of Skydance Television, will continue as Executive Vice Presidents, overseeing Development and Current Programming, respectively. Keith Cox, previously President of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, will maintain oversight of series under his purview, including Taylor Sheridan's slate and 'Emily in Paris.' All three will report directly to Thunell.

In the Production department, Drew Brown, formerly Executive Vice President of Physical Production at Skydance TV, has been appointed Head of Production for PTVS. Keri Flint, who served as Executive Vice President and Head of Global Production for Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, will depart after more than two decades with the company.

Business Affairs and Legal Affairs will operate as distinct groups. Virginia Lazalde-McPherson, previously Chief Acquisitions Officer for Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, will serve as Head of Business Affairs. Lance McPherson, formerly Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, and Head of Business & Legal Affairs for Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, will become Executive Vice President of Legal Affairs for PTVS.

Mel Rauch, who worked closely with Thunell at Netflix as Vice President of EMEA Content Finance & Strategy, joins as Head of Finance. Arturo Reyes, formerly Executive Vice President and Global Head of Production Finance at Skydance, will become Head of Production Finance for PTVS, reporting to Rauch.

Tricia Wood, Executive Vice President of Casting for Paramount Pictures, will expand her role to oversee casting for PTVS. This move aims to encourage on-screen talent to work more seamlessly across the studio's features and television series.

Thunell expressed confidence that the new structure will strengthen collaboration, streamline decision-making, and drive growth for PTVS. He also acknowledged the contributions of departing executives and thanked them for their leadership and dedication.