A New Era for Paramount: Leadership Shifts and Honoring Service

A significant change is happening at Paramount Global's Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios. Barbara Zaneri, who has been a key figure in the company for 25 years, is stepping down from her role as chief program acquisitions officer. She is making way for Virginia Lazalde-McPherson, who has been with the division since 2019. This move was announced by Chris McCarthy, the co-CEO of Paramount Global and CEO of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios. Zaneri's departure is not just a change in leadership but also a shift in her personal focus. She plans to dedicate her time fully to the Gold Star Services Network, a nonprofit she founded. This organization supports families who have lost loved ones in U. S. military service. It is a cause close to her heart, and she will now be able to give it her undivided attention. The network partners with local groups to organize events that honor the legacy of those who have served. Zaneri's impact on the industry is undeniable. She was instrumental in creating the first centralized content acquisitions group that covered both linear TV and streaming. Her work has brought some of the most beloved shows to Paramount, including "Friends, " "The Office, " and "Seinfeld. " More recently, she played a crucial role in securing deals for shows like "Tracker, " "FBI, " and "Ghosts. " Her contributions go beyond just the deals she made. She is known for being a generous mentor and a strong advocate for her colleagues. Her influence has shaped the company's culture and leadership style. Virginia Lazalde-McPherson is taking over a significant role. She joined Showtime in 2019 and has since been a key player in the division's content and business strategy. She has been involved in the successful integration of Showtime into Paramount+. Her work has also been pivotal in the development of original shows like "Yellowjackets, " "The Chi, " and "Dexter: Original Sin. " She played a leading role in bringing back Michael C. Hall for "Dexter: Resurrection. " Before joining Paramount, she had a successful career at YouTube Originals, Turner's TruTV, and MTV Networks. Lazalde-McPherson's background is impressive. She has over 13 years of experience at MTV Networks, where she held various positions, including SVP, deputy general counsel, business and legal affairs, and head of music strategy. Her extensive experience and strategic mindset make her a strong fit for her new role. She is known for her creative dealmaking and her ability to inspire and energize her team. Her leadership will likely bring a fresh perspective to the division. The transition is expected to be smooth. Zaneri will stay on for a few weeks to ensure everything runs smoothly during the handover. This period will allow Lazalde-McPherson to get up to speed and for the team to adapt to the new leadership. The change is not just about new faces but also about honoring the past and looking towards the future. Zaneri's work has laid a strong foundation, and Lazalde-McPherson is poised to build on it. The focus now will be on continuing the legacy of excellence while also exploring new opportunities.