DeDe Lea To Depart Paramount As Head Of Global Public Policy And Government Relations

DeDe Lea, the longtime head of global public policy and government relations for Paramount, announced that she is departing the company on Jan. 5.

Lea is the latest top executive to depart the company following Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount Global, which was completed in August.

Lea was named executive vice president, global public policy and government relations for Paramount Global in 2019, after serving as EVP of global government affairs of Viacom since 2013. She previously served as EVP of government relations, beginning in 2005, and joined Viacom in 1997. Last year, her employment contract to lead public policy and lobbying efforts was extended through Dec. 31, 2028.

A Paramount spokesperon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on who will succeed Lea.

Lea wrote in a note to staffers, “After an incredible journey of nearly three decades, numerous U.S. administrations, global political change and many iterations of Paramount, it’s time for me to start a new chapter. 

“Being in this position has allowed me to be on the front lines of some of the most important moments in politics, media and entertainment. When I first joined the company, I could not have imagined the incredible opportunities, challenges, and experiences that would shape our work together.”

“I am particularly proud of the way that we have deepened Paramount’s relationships with political leaders globally, and how we diligently worked to help the company successfully navigate an ever-evolving global political landscape. This success would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Global Public Policy and Government Relations teams, both here in Washington and in capitals across the world. I am eternally grateful to those who shared this journey with me.”