Shari Redstone Champions Paramount+ Expansion and CBS Success in Skydance Exit Letter

Shari Redstone Reflects on Paramount's Achievements in Final Memo Before Merger

Shari Redstone has officially stepped down from her role at Paramount, marking the end of an era as the company prepares to merge with Skydance. In a heartfelt farewell memo addressed to employees, Redstone highlighted the significant progress and achievements made by Paramount, particularly emphasizing the growth of Paramount+ and the continued success of CBS.

In her message, Redstone expressed confidence in Skydance Media’s ability to lead Paramount Global into a dynamic and evolving industry. She noted that her belief in the merger has only strengthened over the past year, thanks to the company's efforts to reinforce its position in the market. "Not only do I remain assured that Paramount will benefit from this combination, but my conviction is even greater given the progress made in strengthening the company over the past year," she wrote.

Redstone, who will no longer be involved with the company following the merger, extended her gratitude to Paramount co-CEOs George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins for their leadership during a challenging period. She acknowledged the hard work and dedication of every employee, stating that their contributions have been instrumental in achieving impressive results despite the difficult industry environment.

One of the key points Redstone emphasized was the rapid growth of Paramount+. Launched in 2021, the streaming service has quickly risen to become one of the top four SVODs globally. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality content that resonates with audiences across various genres. Redstone also pointed out the enduring success of CBS, which has maintained its position as the number one broadcast network for 17 consecutive years.

In addition to the success of streaming and broadcast networks, Redstone praised Paramount Pictures for its continued expansion of a franchise-based strategy, resulting in several breakout hits. The studio is set to release more successful films throughout 2025, further solidifying its presence in the entertainment industry.

Redstone concluded her memo with a personal reflection on her time with the company. She shared her deep affection for Paramount and the culture it has built over the years. While stepping away was not an easy decision, she expressed pride in the legacy and collaborative spirit that define the company. "It has been an honor and a privilege to work with all of you to bring CBS and Viacom together in order to make Paramount Global a truly special place," she wrote.

She encouraged the team to carry forward the same passion and dedication that have driven the company’s success. "I know you will carry that spirit forward into the future and please know that I will be cheering for you every step of the way."

Redstone’s final message serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a hopeful look toward the future under the new leadership of Skydance. Her departure marks the end of a chapter, but the foundation laid by her leadership will continue to influence the direction of Paramount Global.