In a recent announcement, Julia Phelps, the executive vice president, chief communications and corporate marketing officer of entertainment conglomerate Paramount Global, revealed that she will be leaving the company at the end of the month. Phelps, known for her strategic approach and collaborative leadership style, has played a crucial role in guiding Paramount through various major milestones, including the ViacomCBS merger and the launch of Paramount+.

Phelps' departure comes at a time when the future of Paramount is under intense industry scrutiny. The company, controlled by Shari Redstone's National Amusements, has been engaged in discussions regarding a potential sale. Among the potential suitors are David Ellison's Skydance Media and Sony with Apollo Global Management.

Throughout her tenure at Paramount Global, previously known as ViacomCBS, Phelps steadily climbed the ranks and became a key figure in overseeing Paramount's communications team. Her leadership was integral during the Viacom-CBS merger, the successful launch of Paramount+, and the corporate rebranding to Paramount Global.

Under Phelps' guidance, initiatives such as Spark, a global expansion of BET's Content for Change campaign, were developed. She also played a key role in establishing cross-company marketing and publicity functions, showcasing her ability to promote collaboration across departments.

Phelps expressed her gratitude and reflected on her time at Paramount in an internal memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. While she did not disclose her future plans, Phelps conveyed her immense pride in the accomplishments achieved during her tenure. She highlighted the significant challenges faced by the company, which included navigating the Viacom/CBS merger, launching Paramount+, and adapting to the pandemic's impact on the entertainment industry.

Phelps acknowledged the exceptional teamwork and collaboration that characterized her time at Paramount, emphasizing the importance of cross-functional cooperation among various departments. She expressed her confidence in the capable leadership team, mentioning Crystal, Sue, Justin, Cheryl, Stephen, Josh, and Marc.

As Phelps prepares to step down, the company will work towards finalizing the group structure of the communications team. In the interim, MarComms will report to Brian Robbins. Phelps will remain with Paramount until the end of the month, ensuring a smooth transition.

Phelps concluded her memo by expressing her gratitude to the Paramount team for their dedication and support, both personally and professionally. As she prepares to depart, she expressed hope that the team will carry forward the spirit of high-stakes teamwork into a new era for the company.

The departure of Julia Phelps, a respected veteran in the entertainment industry, marks another significant change within Paramount's leadership, following the recent exit of CEO Bob Bakish. As industry focus remains on Paramount's future, stakeholders eagerly await updates regarding potential partnerships or a sale that may shape the destiny of this renowned entertainment conglomerate.