Senior exec to depart in wake of Skydance acquisition, having joined the company in 1997
Long-standing Paramount exec Pam Kaufman is stepping down after almost three decades with the company.
The US studio’s president and chief exec of international markets, consumer products and experiences becomes the latest senior exec departure following the company’s restructuring by new owner Skydance.
Kaufman had oversight of Paramount’s international operations, including broadcasters such as 5 in the UK and Network 10 in Australia, as well as streamer Paramount+ outside of the US.
She joined the US giant in 1997 as vice-president of promotions and marketing at Nickelodeon, before rising up the ranks to become the first global chief of consumer products in 2018 at what was then known as ViacomCBS.
She was responsible for brands ranging from MTV to Paramount Pictures, before becoming president of consumer products in 2021.
A year later, she was handed a remit across streaming, broadcast and cable outside of the US, responsible for 5, Network Ten, Chilevision in Chile and Argentina’s Telefe.
Kaufman’s exit comes amid an overhaul by Skydance including the hiring of Kevin MacLellan for an international remit, while numerous execs including former licensing chief Can Cohen have departed.
In a memo to staff titled ‘I’ve Had the Slim of my Life’, Kaufman said working for Paramount “has been the honour of a lifetime”.
“We have had an extraordinary journey and the immense privilege of helping shape stories that touched the lives of millions.
“We brought iconic characters to life for fans globally and immersed them in unique worlds. The creativity has been limitless, the collaborations brilliant and most importantly, the people: exceptional.
“I am excited to see what David Ellison, Jeff Shell, and the new leadership team have planned for the future. While I am consulting through the end of the year, I leave with immense pride in what we have built and confidence in what’s ahead,” she added.
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