Viacom Inc. announced Monday the appointment of Jim Gianopulos as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paramount Pictures, effective April 3, 2017. Gianopulos will report directly to Bob Bakish, President and CEO of Viacom.
In his new role, Gianopulos will oversee the studio’s film and television operations worldwide, including production, marketing, distribution and all other facets.
He also will be charged with setting a new strategy for Paramount, including developing new content, strengthening Paramount’s slate with co-branded releases from Viacom flagship brands, and expanding the studio’s global footprint.
According to Viacom, Gianopulos has been a leading figure in the global entertainment industry for more than 30 years. For 16 years, he served as Chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment, overseeing Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox International Productions, and Twentieth Century Fox Animation / Blue Sky Studios.
During his tenure, he oversaw numerous box office hits, ranging from “Avatar” and the “X-Men” series, to “The Descendants” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” and most recently “Deadpool” and “Hidden Figures.”
Gianopulos attended the LLM program at the New York University School of Law and received his JD from Fordham University School of Law. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston University.
Viacom runs global media brands to create television programs, motion pictures, short-form content, apps, games, consumer products, social media experiences, and other entertainment content for audiences in more than 180 countries.
