Paramount Skydance announced the appointment of Makan Delrahim as chief legal officer. He was formerly an assistant attorney general overseeing the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division under President Trump first term.
Delrahim starts in the new role Oct. 6, 2025, overseeing all legal, regulatory, compliance and public policy matters for the company, including oversight of Paramount’s government relations team. Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon, the company’s general counsel and acting chief legal officer, will continue as general counsel and report to Delrahim.
Delrahim joins Paramount from law firm Latham & Watkins, where he advised clients on high-profile transactions, regulatory and government compliance, and complex litigation. He and his firm provided legal counsel to Skydance Media throughout the lengthy M&A process that led to the successful acquisition of Paramount. He brings decades of expertise navigating high-profile technical legal issues, complemented by an authoritative viewpoint on the regulatory landscape and familiarity with cutting-edge technologies including digital media and artificial intelligence.
David Ellison, chairman and CEO of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, said in a statement: “We’re thrilled to welcome Makan to the Paramount leadership team. His longstanding collaboration with the Skydance team gives him a unique perspective and provides a strong foundation for our work together as we pursue our vision for the future of Paramount. Makan brings a strategic mindset and a strong track record of navigating complex, cross-sector challenges – qualities that will be instrumental as we shape the next chapter of Paramount and deliver sustained value to our investors, partners, and audiences.”
Delrahim commented, “I’m honored to join Paramount at such a dynamic and transformative time for the media industry. This is a sector where business, technology, and culture converge in increasingly complex ways, creating both challenges and extraordinary opportunities. Throughout my career, I’ve worked at the intersection of law, policy, and innovation, and I look forward to contributing that experience as part of Paramount’s world-class leadership team. I’m excited to support the Company as it continues to lead, evolve, and ultimately help shape the future of entertainment.”
