Skydance Appoints Finance Leaders to Manage $80 Billion Debt Load

Dennis Cinelli, the Chief Financial Officer of Skydance Corp., announced the executive team that will oversee the company’s financial operations on Wednesday morning. The memo to staff outlined the leadership structure for the entity formed by David Ellison’s merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. This financial apparatus will manage a combined business expected to generate nearly $70 billion in annual revenue on a pro-forma basis. The company also carries approximately $80 billion in net debt.

The finance group holds a central role in Skydance’s strategy to achieve $6 billion in annualized cost savings. Executives expect this effort to involve multiple rounds of layoffs across the organization. Ellison and co-CEO Ynon Kreiz had previously revealed the senior leadership team one day before the official deal closure. Individual business units and corporate groups have since disclosed their specific executive rosters.

In the internal memo, Cinelli commended employees for their support during the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition. He acknowledged the legacy Warner Bros. Discovery finance team for maintaining business performance during a period of uncertainty. Cinelli stated that the new structure reflects the strengths of both organizations while placing the appropriate leaders in key positions.

Kevin Creighton, currently the EVP of Corporate Finance and Treasury, will lead an expanded organization. His scope includes corporate finance, treasury, strategic finance, financial planning, content finance, and strategy. He will also serve as interim head of investor relations until a permanent replacement is found. Fraser Woodford, EVP of Treasury at Warner Bros. Discovery, will remain until the end of March 2027 to facilitate the transition and assist in selecting his successor.

Other key appointments include Todd Davis for global tax, Kathy Gill-Charest as controller and chief accounting officer, and Sandy Pundmann as chief audit risk officer. Simon Robinson will head the Integration Management Office as chief business transformation officer. This office coordinates the operational combination of the two former companies.

Business unit CFOs will report dually to Cinelli and their respective unit heads. Mark Badagliacca will lead film, while Patrick Cavanaugh oversees distribution. Nitin Chawla manages global content sales, and Adam Cohn leads CNN. Eric Gray is in charge of TV studios, and Christine Hong handles advertising and revenue operations. Kedar Nadkarni will lead consumer products, publishing, and DC comics, while Ben Paul oversees games and experiences. Josh Walker manages streaming, and Liz Wright leads the television segment. Bryon Rubin is transitioning from CFO of TV Media to become COO of Skydance Television.

Cinelli outlined six pillars for the finance organization, focusing on accurate closes, accountability, data-driven decisions, and talent development. He expressed confidence in the team as they integrate the businesses. The company aims to become a next-generation media entity, a goal that relies on high-level financial operations.