Paramount Names Two to Lead Industrial Relations Team

Paramount Skydance recently announced the promotion of two seasoned labor relations executives, Nicole Lang and Sheldon Kasdan, to lead a new standalone division dedicated to managing the company’s relationships with entertainment unions.

Lang, who has been the head of industrial relations at Paramount Pictures since 2013, and Kasdan, a top labor executive at CBS for the past decade, will serve as co-heads of industrial relations for Paramount Skydance. They will report directly to Makan Delrahim, the company’s chief legal officer.

Delrahim praised Lang and Kasdan for their pivotal roles in recent labor negotiations and their efforts in strengthening relationships with industry partners. The decision to elevate Industrial Relations to a standalone division underscores the importance of their work and the company’s confidence in their leadership.

In their new roles, Lang will oversee labor relations for the motion picture division and studio backlot operations, while Kasdan will handle the company’s TV and media division. Both executives bring extensive experience in collaborating with other studios through the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

In a joint statement, Lang and Kasdan expressed gratitude for their longstanding partnerships with unions and guilds, acknowledging the critical role of Industrial Relations in supporting the business and its employees. They look forward to further developing these relationships in their new capacities.

The announcement from Paramount Skydance also included commendations for Lang and Kasdan from leaders of SAG-AFTRA, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and the Directors Guild of America. Russell Hollander, executive director of the DGA, congratulated the executives on their promotions, highlighting their professionalism and commitment to finding common ground in navigating complex issues.

The promotion of Lang and Kasdan reflects Paramount Skydance’s commitment to fostering positive relationships with entertainment unions and ensuring smooth labor negotiations in the industry. Their leadership in the new standalone division is expected to further strengthen the company’s partnerships and support its continued success.