Paramount's New Legal Director: A Former DOJ Leader's Role in Shaping the Future of Entertainment
Paramount (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/t/paramount/) has appointed Makan Delrahim, a former U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) chief, as its new Chief Legal Officer. Delrahim’s career has been marked by his pivotal role in shaping antitrust policies during President Trump’s first term and his leadership at Latham & Watkins LLP, where he advised Skydance Media (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/t/skydance/) on critical acquisitions, including Paramount’s recent expansion. This move comes as Paramount faces scrutiny over its potential bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/warner-bros-discovery-stock-wbd-rally-paramount-bid-news-1236368475/), a deal likely to encounter regulatory scrutiny amid growing concerns about market competition.
Delrahim’s appointment underscores Paramount’s commitment to leveraging legal expertise to navigate complex cross-industry challenges. As CEO David Ellison (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/t/paramount/) highlighted in a statement, "We’re thrilled to welcome Makan to the Paramount leadership team. His extensive experience working with Skydance—particularly during the landmark acquisition of Paramount—provides him with a unique lens to guide our future vision. Makan’s strategic acumen and proven ability to resolve multifaceted legal dilemmas will be instrumental in steering Paramount toward sustained value for investors, partners, and audiences." Delrahim, who previously served as assistant attorney general for the DOJ’s antitrust division, emphasized the evolving intersection of law, technology, and entertainment, stating, "This is a sector where business, innovation, and culture collide in increasingly intricate ways. My career has always focused on bridging these domains, and I’m eager to contribute my insights as Paramount continues to lead the way in shaping the future of media."
Meanwhile, Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon, Paramount’s general counsel and acting chief legal officer, will retain her role, reporting directly to Delrahim. THR Newsletters (https://www.thr.com/newsletter/) offer readers exclusive updates on the latest developments in Hollywood, from studio strategies to industry trends.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Paramount’s pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery may align with its goal of expanding its market presence, critics argue that such mergers could stifle competition and accelerate the consolidation of power in the entertainment industry. As the media landscape becomes more interconnected, questions arise about how regulators will balance innovation with fair competition. Do you think such acquisitions are necessary for growth, or do they risk creating monopolies? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
