David Ellison’s Skydance, formed from the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, continues to announce senior executives in the new company: On Thursday, the company said Jay Askinasi will lead ad sales for Skydance, David Decker will head up content sales, and Ray Hopkins will oversee distribution.
Askanasi and Hopkins will also serve as part of the Skydance Executive Leadership Team. The announcement was made by JB Perrette, the former WBD executive who is co-chair and chief business officer of Skydance TV and Skydance DTC, to whom the executives will report.
With Askanasi taking over as head of ad sales for the combined company, Ryan Gould and Robert “Bobby” Voltaggio — who have served as presidents of U.S. advertising sales at Warner Bros. Discovery — will be leaving the company.
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By combining our strengths and uniting our teams,
“By combining our strengths and uniting our teams, we will build on the incredible legacies of both companies to serve audiences and partners in new and more innovative ways and shape an even more ambitious future,” Perrette said in a statement. “Jay, David and Ray are hugely talented and respected leaders with deep experience, strong industry relationships and a shared commitment to our partners and our people. There is tremendous opportunity ahead of us, and I look forward to working closely with them as we build the next generation media and entertainment organization.”
Here are bios for each of the newly appointed execs at Skydance:
Jay Askinasi, Chief Revenue Officer – Advertising
Jay Askinasi will serve as Chief Revenue Officer Advertising. A digital-first revenue leader, Askinasi joined Paramount as Chief Revenue Officer after leading global media revenue and growth at Roku. Previously, he served as CEO of Publicis Media Exchange U.S., where he oversaw major media and advertising operations. Across his career, Askinasi has developed expertise spanning platforms, agencies, data and advertising technology, with a proven track record of modernizing underused assets into high-growth commercial businesses.
David Decker, President, Content Sales
David Decker will serve as President, Content Sales. A more than two-decade Warner Bros. Veteran, Decker has led the worldwide licensing and distribution of Warner Bros.’ film, television, animation and digital content portfolios across major global platforms. Most recently serving as President of Content Sales for Warner Bros. Discovery, Decker has built landmark deals throughout his career.
Ray Hopkins, President, Distribution
Ray Hopkins will serve as President, Distribution. Having joined CBS Corporation in 2013, Hopkins is one of the media industry’s most accomplished distribution executives, bringing more than 35 years of experience managing Paramount’s relationships with video providers, digital and streaming platforms and CBS affiliate station groups. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer of YES Network and has been inducted into the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame. Hopkins is widely recognized for building durable partnerships and expanding the reach and value of premium media brands.
