Paramount Streaming, Showtime Comms Head Erin Calhoun Exiting

Paramount Streaming, Showtime Comms Head Erin Calhoun Exiting

As a seasoned gamer who has navigated countless virtual worlds and corporate landscapes alike, I can’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Erin Calhoun as she embarks on her new journey. Much like leveling up in my favorite MMORPG, Erin has shown remarkable resilience, adaptability, and team spirit throughout her seven-year tenure at Paramount Streaming and Showtime.


Erin Calhoun, who served as the head of communications for Paramount Streaming and Showtime, has announced her departure from the company after a seven-year tenure.

I’ll be saying goodbye come late September, as I shared in a staff memo on Thursday. This update also includes a message from the President and CEO of Paramount Streaming, Tom Ryan. (Here are the memos below.)

Calhoun notes that what has really set this trip apart is the team and the people he’s worked alongside – these gifted professionals who have become more than just colleagues, but friends too. As I depart, I carry with me precious moments that will remain etched in my memory for a lifetime.

Calhoun’s departure coincides with that of the Paramount+ and Paramount+ With Showtime chief marketing officer, Michael Engleman, who left in August. Similar to Engleman, Calhoun is parting ways with Paramount as the company aims to optimize its operations, particularly in communication areas, before its upcoming merger with Skydance. The corporation is striving for $500 million in cost reductions and has announced a 15% reduction in its U.S.-based workforce.

Calhoun departs from Paramount, no longer serving as the executive vice president and head of communications for Paramount Streaming (Paramount+ with Showtime). She also leaves behind her role in cross-company public relations. Before joining Showtime, she held positions as vice president of corporate communications at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment and vice president of communications at Discovery. In simpler terms, Calhoun is no longer working as the top communication executive for Paramount Streaming, a service that includes Paramount+ and Showtime. She previously worked in communication roles at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment and Discovery before joining Showtime.

Read Calhoun’s full memo below.

Team,

Following seven extraordinary years, I am announcing that I will be departing from Paramount. It has been an honor to be a member of this organization, and I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, opportunities, and above all, the friendships I’ve gained during my time here.

Over the course of my tenure, I’ve been privileged to head up the communications department, initially at Showtime and subsequently Paramount Streaming. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling for me. I am deeply proud of our team and everything we have achieved together. We’ve faced numerous hurdles and transitions along the way, but through it all, we stood by each other, with a shared goal of creating outstanding campaigns and setting new records. Some of our accomplishments include launching multiple award-winning shows, organizing hundreds of premier events and awards campaigns, and skillfully managing various corporate communications initiatives.

I’m deeply proud of our shared achievements, but what really stands out to me is the team and the exceptional people I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside – these gifted professionals who have been more than just colleagues, they’ve become friends. As I move on, I take with me treasured memories that will endure. I am immeasurably thankful for every moment spent together, for all the joy we shared and for each one of you. 

Heading towards my upcoming journey, I want you to understand that the valuable lessons I’ve gathered and the collaborative spirit we’ve nurtured will travel with me. A big thank you for your unwavering support, commitment, and our shared partnership along the way.

At the end of this month, I’ll be saying goodbye and I eagerly anticipate catching up with quite a few of you before I go. Wishing you all the very best and ongoing prosperity.

With heartfelt thanks,
Erin

Tom Ryan’s note:

Hi Team 

I want to share that Erin Calhoun is leaving Paramount after seven years with the company. I have had the great pleasure of working closely with Erin in her role as EVP, Head of Communications, Paramount Streaming & Showtime and Cross-Company Publicity, where she seamlessly brought together communications teams from Paramount+, Pluto TV and Showtime to create a unified function that crafted and accelerated our powerful streaming narrative. 

During her time with us, Erin skillfully constructed and managed a top-tier team that effectively demonstrated the progress and achievements of our elite content and services. She was responsible for various departments including Corporate Communications, Publicity, Events, Talent Relations, Awards, and Photography. Under her guidance, Paramount+’s original series such as Fellow Travelers, The Curse, Frasier, Knuckles, and Special Ops: Lioness received exceptional campaigns. She also supervised media relations for significant product and brand milestones like Pluto TV’s 10th anniversary. Her team executed over 250 industry events, and she initiated nearly 100 award nominations annually.

It’s well-known that Erin significantly strengthened and expanded the Showtime brand during her tenure at Paramount, contributing to the success of popular series like Shameless, Billions, Yellowjackets, and Dexter: New Blood. During an exciting period in our company, Erin has also skillfully coordinated efforts among teams from various Paramount departments to showcase the effectiveness of our unified offerings. Her collaborative spirit was evident during this year’s Super Bowl as she oversaw Corporate Communications for the company.

I’m deeply appreciative of Erin’s numerous contributions to Paramount, particularly her consistent cooperation and professional advice. Erin has been a reliable advisor and strategic ally, and I have no doubt she will achieve great things in her future endeavors. Let us all extend warm farewell wishes to Erin.

Tom

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2024-09-19 22:25