Jim Gianopulos to Be Named Chairman and CEO of Paramount
0It’s official: Paramount Pictures has found Brad Grey’s successor in Jim Gianopulos, who will be named the studio’s chairman and CEO.
The veteran executive, who was head of Fox during the time they released movies such as Avatar, 12 Years a Slave, and more, takes on the role after weeks of rumors and negotiations.
The task ahead of Gianopulos is a challenging one as the studio has seen a lag in box office revenue as well as a lack of major franchises of which other studios have greatly benefited, not to mention the deal with China’s Huahua Media and Shanghai Film Group which has apparently fallen through.
However, in a statement about the decision, Gianopulos expressed nothing but optimism: “Paramount is one of Hollywood’s truly iconic studios, and the role it has played in shaping the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. Looking ahead, I see a strong opportunity to position the studio for success by creating valuable franchise opportunities, developing fresh creative ventures, and mining Viacom’s deep brand portfolio to bring exciting new narratives to life.”
Recently, Michael de Luca had been in the running to head up Paramount’s film division under Gianopulos, but he turned the position down. The hunt for someone to fill that role is still ongoing.
Before accepting Paramount’s offer, Gianopulos’ name had been in the running for top positions at both Legendary and Sony.
Anya Crittenton | Associate Editor