Paramount Skydance wants to compete with Amazon and Google over digital ad dollars. And to make that happen, they’ve roped in one of Amazon’s top advertising sales executives to help with the mission.
Daniel Carney, who has overseen Amazon Prime Video’s sports ad sales in recent years, will join Paramount Skydance as head of U.S. sales, a role that will become even more important as the company works toward a merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. She is scheduled to start at Paramount on March 9th.
Business Insider previously reported on Paramount’s new hire.
“Daniel’s deep expertise across entertainment, sports and technology will be invaluable as we accelerate toward a streaming-centric future,” said Jay Askinasi, who was recently named Paramount’s chief revenue officer. “She will play a key role in connecting our most valuable assets with our brand marketers and agency partners, helping us deliver a seamless, client-first experience across the Paramount ecosystem.”
Carney’s appointment is one of Akimunashi’s first major staff additions. Former senior executive at Roku and Publicis Groupe. Akinaski is well-liked by many in ad-buying circles, but lacks experience at mainstream media conglomerates. Hiring Mr. Carney, who also has years of experience at Disney and ESPN, could lend new ballast to Mr. Akimunashi as he prepares for the first “upfront” sales market as TV networks seek to sell the bulk of their commercial inventory ahead of the next programming cycle.
Mr. Carney has played a key role in selling Amazon’s sports products, including “Thursday Night Football” and the company’s new NBA TV show. She was there to drum up interest in Amazon’s new “Black Friday” series, which streams NFL games at the start of the Christmas shopping season.
Paramount also hired Chris Brady as executive vice president of Paramount Media Lab, a division dedicated to helping advertisers connect with content using techniques such as product placement and brand vignettes. He will assume office on March 9th. He previously served as president and global chief commercial officer of Tribeca Enterprises.
Mr. Brady and Mr. Carney will both report to Mr. Asinasi.
