Paramount Elevates Industrial Relations Leadership with Key Promotions

Paramount Skydance has recently announced significant changes to its industrial relations leadership, promoting two long-serving executives, Nicole Lang and Sheldon Kasdan, to co-lead a newly established, independent division. This strategic move underscores the company's commitment to reinforcing its engagement with various entertainment unions and streamlining its labor relations processes. Lang, who has spearheaded industrial relations for Paramount Pictures since 2013, and Kasdan, a pivotal labor executive at CBS for the past decade, will now jointly guide this crucial department.

Reporting directly to Makan Delrahim, Paramount's chief legal officer, both Lang and Kasdan bring a wealth of experience to their expanded roles. Delrahim highlighted their instrumental contributions in recent labor negotiations and their consistent efforts in fostering robust relationships across the industry. Lang's responsibilities will encompass labor relations for the motion picture division and studio operations, while Kasdan will oversee the company's television and media sectors. Their extensive backgrounds include collaborative work with other studios through the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, demonstrating their capability to navigate complex industry dynamics.

The promotions have been met with widespread approval from key industry figures. Leaders from prominent organizations such as SAG-AFTRA, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and the Directors Guild of America have commended Lang and Kasdan. Russell Hollander, Executive Director of the DGA, specifically praised their thoughtful, solution-oriented approach at the bargaining table and their dedication as Trustees of the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans, emphasizing their shared commitment to reaching common ground. The executives themselves expressed gratitude for the company’s recognition of industrial relations as a vital function that supports both the business and its workforce, eagerly anticipating continued positive collaboration.

This restructuring signifies Paramount's proactive stance in managing its labor relations, ensuring fair practices and fostering a cooperative environment within the entertainment industry. The dedication and proven track record of Nicole Lang and Sheldon Kasdan position them well to lead this new division, paving the way for strengthened partnerships and sustained growth.