Jeffrey "Jeff" Shell has resigned from his role as President of Paramount Global, the media conglomerate confirmed on Wednesday. Shell, who was appointed to the position in August 2025, was a key lieutenant to CEO David Ellison and oversaw the company's daily operations. His departure follows a recent, high-profile legal battle and echoes his controversial exit from a previous leadership role.
The company stated, "Paramount is grateful for Mr. Shell's many contributions and to have relied on him as a valued advisor." No immediate successor was named.
Lawsuit Preceded Exit
Shell's resignation comes weeks after professional gambler and self-described whistleblower RJ Cipriani filed a $150 million lawsuit against him. The suit, filed in a New York court, alleged Shell failed to pay for "crisis communications services" and misled Cipriani about helping produce a television show.
Cipriani's complaint also accused Shell of sharing sensitive, non-public information, including details of Paramount's deal to secure Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) broadcast rights in the United States. In response, Shell countersued Cipriani for extortion and defamation, labelling the case "a shakedown."
A History of Controversy
Prior to joining Paramount, Shell served as CEO of NBCUniversal for over three years. He was fired from that role in April 2023 for cause following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. The termination cost him more than $43 million in severance pay.
At the time, Shell apologised for an "inappropriate relationship" with a colleague, stating he was "truly sorry" to employees at NBCU and its parent company, Comcast. Before his tenure at Paramount, he was also chairman of RedBird Sports and Media, led by Paramount investor Gerry Cardinale.
Key Role in Paramount's Transition
As President, Shell was a central figure in guiding Ellison's early leadership after Ellison became CEO in August 2025. This included navigating Paramount's turbulent and ultimately unsuccessful pursuit of a merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Ellison has initiated several other significant changes at the company independently of Shell, including the controversial appointment of Bari Weiss as top editor at CBS News and the implementation of a full-time office work policy for many employees.
The circumstances surrounding Shell's departure and the ongoing legal case with Cipriani present a fresh challenge for Ellison's leadership as he continues to reshape the historic media company.