Paramount General Counsel Christa D’Alimonte to Exit Later This Month

Paramount Global is losing another top executive, with general counsel Christa D’Alimonte set to exit the media company later this month.

D’Alimonte was elevated to general counsel of Viacom in 2017, and continued in that role after it merged with CBS to create ViacomCBS and later Paramount Global. In a message to legal employees Tuesday, she noted that she first began representing Viacom more than 25 years ago.

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“I have always been amazed by the extraordinary ways in which this department touches literally everything that happens at Paramount,” she wrote. “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.”

D’Alimonte’s last day with the company will be June 28.

Following her departure, Paramount Global co-CEOs Chris McCarthy, Brian Robbins and George Cheeks announced that Caryn Groce will become acting general counsel, after serving as executive VP, deputy general counsel and assistant secretary. Groce previously worked at NBCUniversal in a corporate transactions role and at Cravath, Swaine & Moore.

Groce will be tasked with evolving Paramount’s legal structure to fit their strategic plan for the company, which includes selling non-core assets to reduce its debt, streamlining the organization, and shifting its streaming strategy to make it profitable.

D’Alimonte’s exit comes at the end of a tumultuous month for the company, with controlling shareholder Shari Redstone ultimately nixing a deal that was on the table from Skydance and RedBird Capital. For the time being, Cheeks, Robbins and McCarthy are running the company and executing on their strategic plan.

Her exit follows that of prior CEO Bob Bakish, who left in April, and chief communications and marketing officer Julia Phelps, who left in May.

You can read D’Alimonte’s note, below.

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

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