Gerry Cardinale, a former Goldman Sachs executive and investor in RedBird Capital, has emerged as a key player in the $8.4 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media. With his firm holding 22.5% of Paramount’s voting rights, Cardinale is poised to shape the iconic entertainment company’s future.
Cardinale, who co-founded RedBird in 2014 with $665 million, has invested heavily in various industries, including sports and media. His strategy focuses on acquiring premium intellectual property, streamlining costs, and monetizing it. This approach has yielded success in his existing portfolio, which includes AC Milan, Fenway Sports Group, and investments in the entertainment industry.
RedBird’s influence on Paramount is evident in its leadership structure. Jeff Shell, a Cardinale lieutenant, serves as President alongside David Ellison, who now holds 50% of voting rights. Andy Gordon, another RedBird ally, takes on the role of COO. The firm’s presence will likely drive efficiency and innovation at Paramount.
Cardinale views his involvement with Paramount as an opportunity to position the studio for tech-forward survival in a rapidly evolving streaming landscape. He has promised to leverage the company’s rich library of movies, shows, and other intellectual property while cutting costs and improving efficiency.
With RedBird’s $2 billion stake in Skydance’s acquisition, Cardinale has demonstrated his ability to identify strategic opportunities and drive value creation. His experience as a finance expert and investor will be crucial in navigating Paramount’s complex challenges, including debt, declining linear TV revenue, and the brutal streaming wars.
As RedBird Capital’s influence grows at Paramount, its founder Gerry Cardinale is poised to shape the entertainment industry’s future with his unique blend of financial expertise and creative vision.
Source: https://fortune.com/2025/08/09/paramount-skydance-redbird-capital-gerry-cardinale-ellisons