{
  "id": 11079720,
  "title": "Warner acquisition: Paramount brings Mattel CEO into top management",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/warner-ubernahme-paramount-holt-mattel-chef-in-die-fuhrungsspitze",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-01T01:29:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/it-medien/warner-uebernahme-paramount-holt-mattel-chef-in-die-fuehrungsspitze/100258816.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "In the aftermath of the Warner Brothers acquisition, Hollywood conglomerate Paramount has appointed Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz as co-chief executive officer, alongside current Paramount leader David Ellison. Kreiz is set to assume the role on October 5th, while the merger of the two studio giants is expected to be completed the following day. David Ellison, previously a successful film producer, will oversee strategy, creative direction, and technology in this dual leadership position. Kreiz will be responsible for day-to-day operations and the integration of Paramount and Warner.\n\nParamount aims to cut several thousand jobs as part of the merger, with investors expecting annual savings of six billion dollars within three years. Kreiz had previously steered a cost-cutting strategy at Mattel, which included job cuts. The success of the \"Barbie\" film three years ago, directed by Greta Gerwig, served as the gateway for Kreiz into Hollywood. With the film's success, the makers of \"Barbie\" were given creative freedom. The Mattel CEO job, however, has been portrayed in history as a group of greedy suitors. The \"Barbie\" film's triumph led to a surge in the sale of Mattel toys, and Kreiz greenlit more films based on Mattel's toy line.\n\nParamount's acquisition of Warner Brothers, valued at over 110 billion dollars, was expected to be finalized within days, as California and other states dropped their lawsuit against the deal after reaching an agreement. Paramount had promised to invest more money in domestic productions over the next five years and retain the Los Angeles studio grounds. Controversies surrounding CNN, which was acquired by Larry Ellison's family just a year ago, have garnered significant attention. David Ellison, Larry Ellison's son, became the corporate chief. He aims to swallow rival Warner Bros. Discovery to gain more weight in the industry, as Paramount is a relatively small player. The CNN news channel, part of the Warner conglomerate, has faced scrutiny due to its frequent critical reporting on former US President Donald Trump, who often opposes the channel and banned it from the White House. Larry Ellison, known as a Trump supporter, has advocated for a more favorable tone towards the president and his administration from the Paramount channel following the acquisition. Critics have warned that CNN may lose its editorial independence in the hands of the Ellisons.",
  "summary": "Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz is set to join the leadership of Paramount, which is undergoing a merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Kreiz had previously gained experience in Hollywood through the success of the \"Barbie\" film.\n\nThe merger is also leading to changes in staff, with some senior executives losing their jobs. Cindy Holland, head of Paramount+, is leaving the company, and Casey Bloys, head of HBO, will take over streaming operations for the combined company.\n\nHolland announced her departure in a memo to staff, stating that she supports the transition and has confidence in the team's leadership and expertise. The combined streaming service's exact form is not yet clear.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Handelsblatt",
        "title": "On the Warner acquisition: Paramount brings Mattel CEO into top management",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/zur-warner-ubernahme-paramount-holt-mattel-chef-in-die-fuhrungsspitze",
        "published": "2026-10-01T01:14:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}