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Shell was facing an internal investigation after a notorious whistleblower allegedly revealed non-public information to him.
After less than a year on the job, and with a massive merger looming, Paramount Chairman Jeff Schell is leaving the company. The CEO is scheduled to leave the company soon, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
Shell was facing an internal investigation after a notorious gambler and whistleblower allegedly revealed non-public information about the company. A representative for Paramount and Shell declined to comment.
RJ Cipriani, the man who made the allegations, has sued Paramount and Shell, and Shell has also sued him. Cipriani claimed that Shell gave him private information about Paramount’s deal with the UFC, and failed to pay him for the services he claims to have provided.
Shell joined the company last year, working with CEO David Ellison, as Skydance sought to complete its acquisition of Paramount. Following completion of the transaction, Shell was appointed President, handling several of the company’s operational business lines.
His appointment was intended to complement Ellison by bringing a veteran to the company, although other executives, such as COO Andy Gordon, also strengthened their presence in the executive group.
He also previously served as CEO of NBCUniversal, but was let go following harassment allegations by a former CNBC anchor. One source said the public scrutiny he faced played a role in the impending decision to step down.
Meet the gambler who got Jeff Shell fired – again
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