David Berson, the CBS Sports veteran who is now president of Skydance’s Global Sports Group, has assembled his executive team and named veteran executives Jeff Gerttula and Craig Barry to key roles.
The appointments are the latest to come from senior management in an effort to organize and restructure Skydance, which was created by the $110 billion merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery this month. The new entity has broadcast television, streaming, cable and digital platforms. Berson was elevated to the top job the week the merger closed, with TNT Sports chief Luis Silberwasser announcing his departure.
Overall, the new list upholds the usual practice in mergers, in which the executives of the acquiring company (CBS parent Paramount, in this case) trump the other party. One notable exception is Barry, who worked in TNT and Turner’s sports division for nearly four decades. As Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer of Skydance Global Sports Group, Barry will lead all production across remote installations and live events, as well as talent, features and editorial.
Gerttula, a veteran CBS Sports digital executive, will oversee digital, international, strategic and commercial development for sports. “As we continue to evaluate the international structure and operating model, Jeff will be the point of contact with international sports teams,” noted Berson.
Sports Affairs Journal had the first report on the nominations, which have now been confirmed by Deadline.
Notable exits as part of the reorganization include those of TNT Sports communications and talent chief Nate Smeltz; Harold Bryant, CBS executive vice president of production; Sophia Constantinides, CFO of TNT Sports; Patrick Crumb, president of TNT Sports Ventures; Donald Knight, executive vice president of human resources for TNT Sports; and Raphael Poplock, TNT’s senior vice president of strategic partnerships.
In the memo, Berson praised the outgoing leaders’ “leadership, partnership and immeasurable contributions, calling them “excellent leaders whom I greatly admire and respect.”
Here are the names, titles and job descriptions provided by Berson:
Jeff Gerttula – Executive Vice President and General Manager. In this new role, Jeff will oversee digital, international, strategic and commercial development for the sport. As we continue to evaluate the international structure and operating model, Jeff will be the point of contact for international sports teams. Bennett Spector will join Jeff’s team and continue to oversee Bleacher Report and House of Highlights. Yang Adija will also join Jeff’s team, focusing on digital strategy and operations.
Craig Barry – Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer. Craig will be responsible for all production, including remote and live event production, studio production, on-air talent, features, creative content, graphics and editorial.
Patty Power – Executive Vice President, Operations and Engineering. Patty will manage day-to-day operations and engineering, including remote technical operations, production management, engineering, post-production and media operations, and on-air operations.
Dan Weinberg – Executive Vice President, Programming. Dan will lead our programming group, responsible for programming strategy, rights acquisition, program development, planning and relationship management with our partner leagues.
Chris Carter – Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Chris will oversee all financial efforts.
Kelly Dunne – Executive Vice President, Marketing. Kelly will oversee the sports marketing group.
Jen Sabatelle – Executive Vice President, Communications. Jen will oversee all communications functions, including strategy; media relations; internal, external and corporate communications; and manage media appearances for executives and on-air talent.Bryn Berglund – Senior Vice President, Human Resources. Bryn will manage human resources for the sports organization.
Doug Bernstein – Senior Vice President, Insights and Audience Strategy. Doug will oversee all audience research efforts for the sport.
Kevin Glidewell – Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs. Kevin will lead the sport’s legal team.
Deanna O’Toole – Senior Vice President, Business Affairs. Deanna will lead contract negotiations for talent and production staff, footage, releases and other rights-related agreements.
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