Paramount Skydance’s streaming chief Cindy Holland announced her immediate departure on Tuesday, effective her last day at the company. The move comes as Paramount prepares to finalize its $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal expected to close within weeks.
Holland’s exit was confirmed in a memo to staff, where she stated her resignation was discussed as part of the company’s transition plans. Paramount CEO David Ellison said in a statement that Holland’s contributions over the past year had been significant, calling her “one of the most exceptional executives in our industry.” Ellison did not confirm whether HBO CEO Casey Bloys would assume leadership of the combined streaming operations, though reporting from multiple sources indicates Bloys is positioned to take on a key role.
The departure follows Paramount’s settlement of an antitrust lawsuit filed by 12 states, which cleared regulatory hurdles for the merger. The agreement, announced last week, resolves claims that the deal would violate U.S. competition laws. The combined entity would unite assets including Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. Studios, CBS, HBO, CNN, MTV, and Pluto TV under a single corporate structure.
Holland joined Paramount nearly 14 months ago as chair of direct-to-consumer operations, overseeing Paramount+ and Pluto TV. Her exit marks a notable shift in leadership as Ellison’s Skydance Media consolidates control over the newly merged company. Industry observers note that Holland, a former Netflix executive, lacked long-standing ties to Ellison’s leadership team, which has been integral to the merger’s planning.
Ellison has previously emphasized the importance of maintaining HBO’s stability and prestige programming within the combined company. The network has undergone two ownership changes in recent years, and its leadership under Bloys has been widely regarded as a stabilizing force. While Paramount has not officially confirmed Bloys’ future role, sources indicate his influence is expected to grow as the merger progresses.
The merger, valued at approximately $110 billion, remains subject to final regulatory approval and is anticipated to close within weeks. Once completed, the new entity would create one of the largest media conglomerates in Hollywood, with a portfolio spanning film, television, and streaming platforms.