Paramount Global General Counsel Christa D’Alimonte has told colleagues she will be exiting the company at the end of the month.
In an internal memo (read it below), D’Alimonte recalled her 25-year association with Viacom, first as a legal representative of the company and later as a staffer.
Caryn Groce, a 14-year company veteran who has been an EVP and D’Alimonte’s deputy, will inherit her duties as acting General Counsel, a person familiar with the shuffle told Deadline. “Christa and Caryn have worked closely together for years, which will enable a seamless transition,” the company’s Co-CEOs told employees. “We have great confidence in Caryn and know we are in good hands.”
Paramount Global is not the largest player in media but has generated a disproportionate number of headlines of late. Its controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, last week terminated merger talks with Skydance Media just as a deal was set to be finalized after months of negotiations. The company is now planning to stay the course, though various parties remain interested in Redstone’s National Amusements, the exhibitor and family entity that owns almost 80% of Paramount’s voting stock.
George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy and Brian Robbins, the three members of Paramount’s Office of the CEO, have indicated they plan to implement $500 million in cost savings and have laid out plans to streamline the staff.
In 2023, D’Alimonte was the third-highest-paid member of the company’s management team, collecting nearly $5.8 million from her base pay, a stock award and a bonus.
Here’s D’Alimonte’s full memo:
Team,
As some of you know, I will be leaving Paramount at the end of the month.
It has been more than 25 years since I first represented Viacom, and nearly 12 years since I first walked through the revolving doors of 1515 Broadway as an employee. I have always been amazed by the extraordinary ways in which this department touches literally everything that happens at Paramount. Our work doesn’t often make headlines or get recognized at glitzy award shows, but you are the heart and soul of this company. You are key to the development and production of every piece of content, every tentpole, every marketing campaign, every distribution deal, every financing transaction, every real estate lease, the safety and experience of every employee… The list goes on and on. Your dedication, your commitment to excellence and your collaborative nature are behind it all.One of my favorite quotes is from the late, great Maya Angelou – “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Indeed, I’d have a hard time compiling a list of all the matters I’ve worked on over the years – but I will never forget how you’ve made me feel. I have been energized by your positivity, even in uncertain times. I’ve been floored by your intelligence and creativity, especially when dealing with novel and tricky issues. I’ve been humbled by your generosity with your time and expertise when I’ve sought guidance and help. I’ve been overwhelmed with pride at the team we have developed. And I’ve felt blessed every day to call you colleagues and friends. I hope that I’ve been able to do the same for you.
I’m cheering for you going forward, can’t wait to see what is next and very much hope we stay in touch.
Christa