Former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell Poised for Major Comeback as President of Paramount Global

Former Chief Executive Officer of NBCUniversal, Jeff Shell, is on the verge of a major comeback, set to take the reins at Paramount Global less than two years after being fired from NBCUniversal over allegations of sexual harassment. According to a CNBC report, Shell is expected to lead the day-to-day media operations at Paramount as president, following its merger with Skydance Media, which is slated to close in early 2025, pending regulatory approval. He will report to David Ellison, Skydance’s current CEO, who will assume the role of CEO of the combined company.

Though Shell hasn’t publicly shared his plans for Paramount due to regulatory restrictions, his track record at NBCUniversal provides some insights. Known for bold ideas and big moves, Shell had proposed significant changes during his tenure at NBC, though many, such as handing over NBC’s 10 p.m. programming to affiliates and a potential merger with a rival, didn’t materialise.

Colleagues describe Shell as a collaborative leader with a willingness to listen, but also as someone who occasionally says too much. His exit from NBCUniversal in 2023 was abrupt, but now, as he joins forces with Ellison at Paramount, both seem ready to push for transformative changes as they navigate the evolving media landscape.