After more than 25 years at Paramount Global and its predecessor companies, Barbara Zaneri, Chief Programme Acquisitions Officer of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios, is leaving the company. She will be replaced by Virginia Lazalde-McPherson, who previously served as EVP and Head of Strategy and Operations.

The move was announced in an internal letter from Chris McCarthy, Co-CEO of Paramount Global and President and CEO of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios. Zaneri will stay on for a few more weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

Zaneri is leaving Paramount to devote herself full-time to her non-profit organisation Gold Star Services Network (GSSN) which it founded itself. GSSN supports families who have lost a member through military service and organises events to honour the deceased. McCarthy describes this step as a "meaningful new chapter" in Zanari's life.

In her long career, Zaneri has made a significant contribution to Paramount's success. She set up the first centralised content acquisition department, which encompassed both linear television and streaming platforms. Under her leadership, well-known series such as Friends, The Office, Seinfeld, The Big Bang Theory, Family Guy and Two and a Half Men for the company. Most recently, she was involved in major deals for series such as Tracker, FBI and Ghosts involved.

McCarthy praised Zaneri not only for her business successes, but also for her personal impact within the company: She was not only a "legendary negotiator", but also a valued mentor, supporter and friend to many colleagues.

Virginia Lazalde-McPherson, her successor, joined Showtime in 2019 and has quickly established herself as a central figure in the company. Among other things, she was instrumental in the successful integration of Showtime into Paramount+ and shaped the development of originals such as Yellowjackets, The Chi and Dexter: Original Sin. The return of Michael C. Hall for Dexter: Resurrection goes back to her initiative.

Before joining Paramount, Lazalde-McPherson worked at YouTube Originals and previously at Turner's TruTV and MTV Networks - most recently as Deputy General Counsel and Head of Music Strategy.

This change of leadership marks the end of an era at Paramount, while at the same time a new chapter with experienced leadership begins.

Variety reports in detail.