Paramount (formerly Paramount Global, now operating as Paramount Skydance Corporation) is a publicly traded entertainment and media company headquartered in New York City, USA. It is known for major film and television brands, including Paramount Pictures, CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, and the streaming service Paramount+.
The company traces its roots to the founding of Paramount Pictures in 1912, and through decades of mergers — most recently the 2025 merger with Skydance Media — it has become one of the most influential entertainment groups in the world. As of August 2025, Paramount is led by David Ellison, who became Chairman and CEO following the merger.
Ownership Status of Paramount
There is no single private owner of Paramount. It remains publicly traded, but control of the company now rests with Ellison-controlled entities following the 2025 merger of Paramount Global and Skydance Media.
Before the merger, Paramount was controlled by National Amusements, Inc. (NAI), owned by the Redstone family. After the merger, Ellison family entities acquired majority voting control, replacing National Amusements.
Major Shareholders (Post-Merger)
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ellison-controlled entities (Skydance Group) | ~77.5% voting control | Gained majority voting power after the 2025 merger; effectively controls Paramount. |
| Public Institutional Investors | Minority (varies) | Own non-voting or low-voting Class B shares traded publicly. |
| Retail Shareholders | Minority | Hold publicly traded shares with limited voting rights. |
Note: Remaining shares are distributed across various mutual funds, institutions, and individual investors.
About David Ellison, CEO of Paramount
David Ellison is an American film producer, entrepreneur, and the founder of Skydance Media, a company he launched in 2010 that quickly grew into one of Hollywood’s most influential production groups. Known for backing major franchises like Mission: Impossible, Top Gun: Maverick, and various successful TV and animation projects, Ellison built a reputation for combining strong creative partnerships with modern technology and data-driven media strategy. Following the 2025 merger between Skydance and Paramount Global, Ellison became the Chairman and CEO of the newly formed Paramount Skydance Corporation, marking a major leadership shift in the entertainment industry. His vision focuses on revitalizing Paramount’s film and television divisions, strengthening streaming capabilities, and modernizing legacy studio operations for the digital era.
David Ellison Net Worth
David Ellison’s net worth is widely estimated in the multi-billion-dollar range, with figures commonly reported around $2 billion to $3 billion, depending on market valuations and Skydance equity assessments. His financial strength comes from his ownership stake in Skydance Media, long-term production partnerships, and now his significant controlling interest in Paramount Skydance Corporation following the 2025 merger. Additionally, his father, Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle and one of the richest individuals in the world, has supported several major Skydance initiatives, further strengthening David Ellison’s business leverage and financial stability. While exact net worth fluctuates, Ellison remains one of the most influential young moguls in Hollywood’s modern era.
Key Shareholder Highlights
- Ellison-controlled entities now hold the majority of Paramount’s Class A voting stock, giving them effective control over corporate decisions.
- These entities were part of the Skydance–Paramount merger deal, which shifted ownership away from National Amusements (Redstone family).
- David Ellison, founder of Skydance Media, now leads the company as Chairman and CEO, signaling a new era of leadership and strategic direction.
- Public investors still hold a significant economic interest through Class B shares, but due to the dual-class voting structure, they do not control the company.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- In August 2025, Skydance Media and Paramount Global completed their merger, forming Paramount Skydance Corporation.
- As part of this deal, Ellison-controlled entities acquired the controlling stake, ending decades of Redstone family leadership.
- National Amusements (NAI) — previously the controlling shareholder — exited its control position.
- David Ellison now oversees the merged studio, marking one of the largest leadership transitions in entertainment history.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of Paramount?
There is no single owner. Paramount is a public company, but Ellison-controlled entities hold majority voting control after the Skydance–Paramount merger.
2. Is Paramount publicly traded or privately owned?
Paramount is publicly traded, operating as Paramount Skydance Corporation. However, voting control is concentrated with the Ellison group.
3. Who founded Paramount?
Paramount Pictures traces its origins to Adolph Zukor, who founded the Famous Players Film Company in 1912, which later became Paramount.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes. In August 2025, control shifted from the Redstone family’s National Amusements to Skydance/Ellison-controlled entities, marking a major ownership transition.