Key Takeaways
- Cindy Holland exits Paramount ahead of the Warner Bros. Discovery deal.
- Casey Bloys is set to lead the combined streaming operations.
- Paramount is reshaping leadership as it prepares to combine its streaming business with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Paramount CEO David Ellison has selected HBO Chief Casey Bloys to lead the company’s combined streaming operations as Paramount prepares to complete its Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition.
Holland Exits As Paramount Reshapes Streaming Leadership
Cindy Holland, Paramount Skydance’s streaming chief, announced her departure Tuesday, ending her tenure overseeing Paramount+ and Pluto TV. Her exit clears the way for Bloys to take a leading role in the combined streaming business, according to people familiar with the plans and media reports.
Holland joined Skydance as an adviser before taking charge of Paramount’s direct-to-consumer operations. She previously helped build Netflix’s original programming strategy, working on shows including “Stranger Things,” “House of Cards” and “The Crown.”
In a memo to employees, Holland said Ellison was focused on maintaining stability at HBO as the combined businesses move into their next phase.
“As David readies for the next phase of his vision, we’ve discussed my role and the future of the combined businesses,” Holland wrote. “David is optimizing for HBO stability as we move into this next chapter, and I fully support that.”
Bloys Brings HBO Experience To Combined Streamer
Bloys has spent more than two decades at HBO and has overseen the network’s programming strategy during a period of expansion into streaming. His tenure has included major HBO productions such as “Succession” and “The White Lotus,” as well as the successful medical drama “The Pitt.”
The leadership change places an executive with extensive HBO programming experience at the center of Paramount’s expanded streaming strategy. The combined operation will bring together Paramount+ with Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming business, including HBO Max.
Paramount CEO David Ellison praised Holland for her work at the company. He described her as “a force of nature whose impact on Paramount over the past year has been significant,” according to reports on his statement.
Holland said her team had expanded Paramount+’s subscriber base, improved retention, and increased engagement and revenue during her tenure. She also said the division approved more than 40 new and returning series.
Paramount Prepares For A Larger Streaming Business
The executive change comes as Paramount moves toward its planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a transaction valued at about $110 billion when announced. The deal would combine major film and television assets and create a larger entertainment company with expanded streaming operations.
Warner Bros. Discovery said earlier this year that its streaming services had more than 140 million subscribers, while Paramount+ had more than 80 million, according to figures cited in industry reports. The combined business would therefore have a substantially larger streaming footprint than Paramount currently operates alone.
Holland’s departure also removes uncertainty over which executive would oversee streaming after the combination. Industry speculation had focused on whether Ellison would retain Holland, elevate Bloys,s or divide responsibilities between the two executives.
For Paramount, the leadership decision signals an emphasis on HBO’s programming operation as the company prepares for a larger streaming portfolio. Bloys is expected to play a central role in shaping programming across the expanded business once the transaction is completed.
