Bob Bakish: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name         = Bob Bakish
| name = Bob Bakish
| birth_name   = Robert Marc Bakish
| birth_name = Robert Marc Bakish
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1963|12|14}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1963|12|14}}
| birth_place = [[Englewood, New Jersey]], United States
| birth_place = [[Englewood, New Jersey]], United States
| nationality = American
| nationality = American
| education   = [[Master of Business Administration]]
| education = [[Master of Business Administration]]
| alma_mater   = [[Dwight-Englewood School]]<br />[[Columbia University]]
| alma_mater = [[Dwight-Englewood School]]<br />[[Columbia University]]
| occupation   = Business executive
| occupation = Business executive
| known_for   = Former President and CEO of [[Paramount Global]]
| known_for = Former President and CEO of [[Paramount Global]]
| children     = 2
| title = President and CEO of Paramount Global (2019–2024)
| awards       = Distinguished Alumni, Dwight-Englewood School
| children = 2
| awards =  
| website =
}}
}}


'''Robert Marc Bakish''' (born December 14, 1963) is an American business executive who served as president and chief executive officer of [[Paramount Global]] (formerly [[ViacomCBS]] and, before that, [[Viacom]]) from December 4, 2019, until his departure on April 29, 2024. Over the course of more than two decades at Viacom and its successor companies, Bakish rose from a strategy and corporate development role to lead one of the world's largest media and entertainment conglomerates. His tenure encompassed the reunification of Viacom and CBS Corporation, the rebranding of the combined entity as Paramount Global, and the company's ambitious push into streaming with [[Paramount+]]. Born and raised in New Jersey, Bakish was educated at Columbia University's engineering and business schools before entering the media industry. His departure from Paramount in 2024 came amid declining stock performance and tensions surrounding a potential major merger of the company, and he subsequently received a severance package that attracted significant media attention.<ref name="variety-severance">{{cite news |last=|first=|date=April 25, 2025 |title=Ousted Paramount CEO Bob Bakish Received $69.3 Million in Severance |url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/paramount-bob-bakish-severance-ceo-pay-packages-2024-1236378572/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref name="fortune-severance">{{cite news |last=|first=|date=April 26, 2025 |title=Bob Bakish was ousted by Paramount after clashing with Shari Redstone and he still got rewarded with a $69.3 million golden parachute |url=https://fortune.com/article/bob-bakish-ousted-paramount-ceo-severance-compensation-golden-parachute/ |work=Fortune |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Robert Marc Bakish (born December 14, 1963), known professionally as '''Bob Bakish''', is an American business executive who served as the president and chief executive officer of [[Paramount Global]] from the company's formation on December 4, 2019, until his departure on April 29, 2024. A career-long executive within the [[Viacom]] corporate family, Bakish rose through the ranks over more than two decades, holding leadership positions across the company's domestic and international operations before ascending to the top role. His tenure at the helm of Paramount Global was marked by the challenges of navigating the media industry's transition to streaming, the integration of the former Viacom and CBS Corporation assets, and intensifying competition from technology companies and rival studios. Bakish's departure in 2024 came amid declining stock performance and discussions surrounding a potential major merger of the company, and he subsequently received one of the largest severance packages in recent entertainment industry history.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 25, 2025 |title=Ousted Paramount CEO Bob Bakish Received $69.3 Million in Severance |url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/paramount-bob-bakish-severance-ceo-pay-packages-2024-1236378572/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His career trajectory — from an operations analyst and strategy consultant to the leader of one of the world's largest media conglomerates — traced the arc of an industry undergoing profound transformation.


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Robert Marc Bakish was born on December 14, 1963, in [[Englewood, New Jersey]], in the United States.<ref name="bloomberg">{{cite web |title=Robert M. Bakish |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=11043733&privcapId=25403751&previousCapId=25403751&previousTitle=VIACOM%2520INC-CLASS%2520B |publisher=Bloomberg |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He grew up in the northern New Jersey area and attended [[Dwight-Englewood School]], a private college preparatory school in Englewood.<ref name="de-school">{{cite web |title=Robert Bakish |url=http://www.d-e125.org/alumni/robert-bakish.html |publisher=Dwight-Englewood School |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The school later recognized him as one of its distinguished alumni.<ref name="de-distinguished">{{cite web |title=Distinguished Alumni |url=http://www.d-e125.org/alumni-distinguished.html |publisher=Dwight-Englewood School |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Robert Marc Bakish was born on December 14, 1963, in [[Englewood, New Jersey]], a borough in [[Bergen County]] located across the [[Hudson River]] from [[New York City]].<ref name="bloomberg">{{cite web |title=Robert M. Bakish Profile |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=11043733&privcapId=25403751&previousCapId=25403751&previousTitle=VIACOM%2520INC-CLASS%2520B |publisher=Bloomberg |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He grew up in the northern New Jersey area and attended [[Dwight-Englewood School]], a private college preparatory school in Englewood.<ref name="de-alumni">{{cite web |title=Robert Bakish — Distinguished Alumni |url=http://www.d-e125.org/alumni/robert-bakish.html |publisher=Dwight-Englewood School |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The school, which has educated a number of notable figures in business, entertainment, and public life, later recognized Bakish as a distinguished alumnus for his accomplishments in the media industry.<ref name="de-distinguished">{{cite web |title=Distinguished Alumni |url=http://www.d-e125.org/alumni-distinguished.html |publisher=Dwight-Englewood School |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Bakish's educational path and early career trajectory suggest an orientation toward both engineering and business strategy. After graduating from Dwight-Englewood School, he pursued his undergraduate and graduate education at [[Columbia University]] in New York City, an institution with which he maintained a long association throughout his professional career.<ref name="columbia-board">{{cite web |title=Robert Bakish |url=https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/about-us/board/robert-bakish |publisher=Columbia Business School |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Details about Bakish's family background and childhood remain largely private. What is publicly documented is that he demonstrated early academic aptitude and an interest in business and technology, which guided his educational and professional choices in the years that followed.


== Education ==
== Education ==


Bakish attended [[Columbia University]], where he earned degrees from both the [[Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science]] and the [[Columbia Business School]]. He obtained a [[Master of Business Administration]] from Columbia.<ref name="bloomberg" /><ref name="columbia-engineering">{{cite web |title=Address by 2013 Class Day Speaker Robert M. Bakish, Viacom International Media Networks CEO |url=https://engineering.columbia.edu/news/address-2013-class-day-speaker-robert-m-bakish-viacom-international-media-networks-ceo |publisher=Columbia University School of Engineering |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Bakish maintained a close relationship with his alma mater in the years following his graduation. He served on the Board of Visitors of the Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science.<ref name="columbia-visitors">{{cite web |title=Bob Bakish — Board of Visitors |url=https://engineering.columbia.edu/board-of-visitors/bob-bakish |publisher=Columbia University School of Engineering |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He also served on the board of the Columbia Business School.<ref name="columbia-board" /> In 2013, Bakish was invited to deliver the Class Day address at Columbia's engineering school, where he spoke to graduates in his capacity as CEO of Viacom International Media Networks.<ref name="columbia-engineering" />
After graduating from [[Dwight-Englewood School]], Bakish enrolled at [[Columbia University]] in New York City, one of the [[Ivy League]] institutions.<ref name="columbia-engineering">{{cite web |title=Address of 2013 Class Day Speaker Robert M. Bakish, Viacom International Media Networks CEO |url=https://engineering.columbia.edu/news/address-2013-class-day-speaker-robert-m-bakish-viacom-international-media-networks-ceo |publisher=Columbia University School of Engineering |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He earned his undergraduate degree from the [[Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science|Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Science]]. Bakish later returned to Columbia to pursue graduate studies, earning a [[Master of Business Administration]] (MBA) from [[Columbia Business School]].<ref name="bloomberg" />
 
Bakish has maintained close ties with his alma mater throughout his career. He has served on the Board of Visitors of the Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science, contributing to the school's strategic direction and engagement with the business community.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bob Bakish — Board of Visitors |url=https://engineering.columbia.edu/board-of-visitors/bob-bakish |publisher=Columbia University School of Engineering |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He has also served on the Board of Overseers of [[Columbia Business School]], further reflecting his ongoing involvement with the university.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert Bakish — Board |url=https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/about-us/board/robert-bakish |publisher=Columbia Business School |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In 2013, Bakish was invited to deliver the Class Day address at the Columbia School of Engineering, where he spoke to graduating students about leadership, risk-taking, and the evolving media landscape.<ref name="columbia-engineering" />


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== Early Career and Entry into Viacom ===
=== Early Career and Entry into Viacom ===


Before joining Viacom, Bakish worked as a management consultant. According to his Bloomberg executive profile, he accumulated experience in corporate strategy and development before transitioning into the media industry.<ref name="bloomberg" /> He joined Viacom in the late 1990s and initially worked in the company's strategy and corporate development operations, helping to guide Viacom's business planning and growth initiatives.<ref name="bloomberg" />
Before joining [[Viacom]], Bakish worked as a management consultant at [[Booz Allen Hamilton]], a global management and technology consulting firm.<ref name="bloomberg" /> His work at the firm provided him with experience in corporate strategy, operations, and the telecommunications sector, which would prove relevant to his subsequent career in media.
 
Bakish joined Viacom in the late 1990s and quickly advanced through a series of operational and strategic roles. His early work at the company focused on corporate development and strategic planning, areas where his consulting background and engineering education were particularly applicable.


=== Rise Through Viacom ===
=== Rise at Viacom: Domestic Operations ===


Bakish's ascent within Viacom accelerated in the mid-2000s. In July 2004, Viacom underwent a significant executive reorganization under its then-leadership, shuffling operations and executive responsibilities. The restructuring, reported by ''[[The New York Times]]'', reflected the broader strategic shifts taking place at the media conglomerate during a period of industry upheaval.<ref name="nyt-2004">{{cite news |last=|first=|date=July 30, 2004 |title=Company News; Viacom Shuffles Operations Under New Co-President |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/30/business/company-news-viacom-shuffles-operations-under-new-co-president.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Forbes also reported on the restructuring as part of a broader shake-up at Viacom.<ref name="forbes-2004">{{cite web |title=Viacom Shuffles |url=https://www.forbes.com/2004/07/30/cx_gl_0730faceweek.html |publisher=Forbes |date=July 30, 2004 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref name="forbes-ap-2004">{{cite web |title=Viacom Restructuring |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040803123831/https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2004/07/30/ap1481754.html |publisher=Forbes (via AP) |date=July 30, 2004 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
By the early 2000s, Bakish had established himself as a key figure within Viacom's corporate structure. In July 2004, Viacom undertook a significant reorganization of its operations, and Bakish was among the executives who assumed expanded responsibilities as part of the restructuring under the company's new co-president structure.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 30, 2004 |title=Company News; Viacom Shuffles Operations Under New Co-President |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/30/business/company-news-viacom-shuffles-operations-under-new-co-president.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The 2004 reorganization was covered by multiple industry outlets, reflecting the significance of the executive changes to Viacom's strategic direction.<ref>{{cite web |title=Viacom reorganization |url=https://www.forbes.com/2004/07/30/cx_gl_0730faceweek.html |publisher=Forbes |date=July 30, 2004 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Viacom Shuffles Operations |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040803123831/https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2004/07/30/ap1481754.html |publisher=Forbes (via AP) |date=July 30, 2004 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


In 2007, Bakish was appointed to an international role at [[MTV Networks]], a key division of Viacom. ''Variety'' reported that Bakish was given an expanded international portfolio at MTV, signaling his growing importance within the organization.<ref name="variety-2007">{{cite news |last=|first=|date=2007 |title=Bakish given international role at MTV |url=https://variety.com/2007/music/markets-festivals/bakish-given-international-role-at-mtv-1117956788/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' similarly noted Bakish's rise at MTV Networks, describing his expanded responsibilities within the division.<ref name="thr-2007">{{cite news |last=|first=|date=2007 |title=Bakish rises at MTV Nets |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bakish-rises-at-mtv-nets-127397 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
During this period, Bakish held roles overseeing Viacom's operational strategy and was involved in managing the company's portfolio of cable networks and media properties. His ability to manage complex organizational structures and drive efficiency across multiple business units distinguished him among his peers within the company.


Bakish was subsequently appointed president of MTV Networks International (MTVNI), reporting to Bill Roedy, who retained the role of chairman and CEO of the international division. In this capacity, Bakish oversaw MTV's international operations, which spanned dozens of countries and included localized versions of MTV and other Viacom channels.<ref name="indian-tv">{{cite web |title=Bob Bakish appointed president, MTV Networks International |url=https://indiantelevision.com/news-headline/bob-bakish-appointed-president-mtv-networks-international/ |publisher=Indian Television Dot Com |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> ''Variety'' reported that MTV International under Bakish's leadership was "plotting a second act," seeking to expand its global footprint and diversify beyond music programming.<ref name="variety-intl">{{cite news |last=|first=|date=2007 |title=MTV Int'l plotting second act |url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/features/mtv-int-l-plotting-second-act-1117971575/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
=== MTV Networks International ===


Bakish later recalled the early days of Viacom's Indian joint venture, [[Viacom18]], as a pivotal and risky undertaking. In an interview, he described the launch as a "go big or go home play," reflecting the aggressive strategy Viacom pursued in expanding into the Indian media market.<ref name="adgully">{{cite web |title='It was a go big or go home play': Bob Bakish recalls Viacom18's early days |url=https://www.adgully.com/it-was-a-go-big-or-go-home-play-bob-bakish-recalls-viacom18-s-early-days-75046.html |publisher=Adgully |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
A pivotal phase of Bakish's career began in 2007, when he was appointed president of [[MTV Networks International]] (MTVNI), the division responsible for Viacom's media brands outside the United States.<ref name="variety-mtv">{{cite news |date=2007 |title=Bakish given international role at MTV |url=https://variety.com/2007/music/markets-festivals/bakish-given-international-role-at-mtv-1117956788/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bakish Rises at MTV Nets |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bakish-rises-at-mtv-nets-127397 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In this role, Bakish reported to Bill Roedy, the longtime head of MTV Networks International, and was responsible for overseeing the expansion and management of MTV, [[Nickelodeon]], [[Comedy Central]], and other Viacom-owned channels across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bob Bakish appointed president, MTV Networks International |url=https://indiantelevision.com/news-headline/bob-bakish-appointed-president-mtv-networks-international |publisher=Indian Television Dot Com |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


His international experience became one of the defining features of his executive profile. Bakish's work in growing Viacom's presence outside the United States gave him a perspective on global media distribution and content localization that would later inform his strategic vision as CEO.
Under Bakish's leadership, MTV Networks International pursued an aggressive growth strategy, expanding its channel portfolio and investing in locally produced content in key markets around the world.<ref>{{cite news |date=2007 |title=MTV Int'l Plotting Second Act |url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/features/mtv-int-l-plotting-second-act-1117971575/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> This approach — localizing global brands rather than simply exporting American programming — became a hallmark of Bakish's strategic philosophy and one that would define his later leadership of the broader company.


=== CEO of Viacom ===
One notable example of this strategy was the development of [[Viacom 18]], a joint venture between Viacom and the [[TV18]] group in India. Bakish later recalled the launch of Viacom 18 as a significant strategic bet, describing it as a "go big or go home play" that reflected the company's ambition to establish a meaningful presence in the rapidly growing Indian media market.<ref>{{cite web |title='It was a go big or go home play': Bob Bakish recalls Viacom18's early days |url=https://www.adgully.com/it-was-a-go-big-or-go-home-play-bob-bakish-recalls-viacom18-s-early-days-75046.html |publisher=AdGully |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The Indian venture grew to become one of the most significant international media operations in Viacom's portfolio.


In November 2016, Viacom named Bob Bakish as interim CEO of the company, as reported by ''The Hollywood Reporter''.<ref name="thr-interim">{{cite news |last=|first=|date=2016 |title=Viacom Names Bob Bakish Interim CEO |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-names-bob-bakish-interim-ceo-941672 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The appointment came during a turbulent period for Viacom, which had experienced internal corporate governance disputes involving the Redstone family, declining ratings at several of its cable networks, and questions about the company's long-term strategic direction. Bakish was subsequently confirmed as the permanent president and CEO of Viacom.
=== Viacom International Media Networks ===


As CEO, Bakish set about refocusing Viacom's portfolio around its strongest brands, including [[MTV]], [[Nickelodeon]], [[BET]], and [[Comedy Central]]. He emphasized the importance of content investment and the need to adapt to the rapidly evolving media landscape, in which streaming platforms were increasingly dominating consumer attention. ''Business Insider'' noted Bakish's prominence as a media industry executive, inviting him to speak at its annual Ignition conference in 2017.<ref name="bi-ignition">{{cite news |last=|first=|date=June 2017 |title=Viacom's Bob Bakish to speak at Ignition |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/viacoms-bob-bakish-to-speak-at-ignition-2017-6 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
As MTV Networks International was reorganized and rebranded as '''Viacom International Media Networks''' (VIMN), Bakish continued to lead the division in an expanded capacity. As president and CEO of VIMN, he oversaw a global portfolio of channels and digital properties spanning more than 180 countries. The division operated hundreds of locally programmed and operated channels, and Bakish was credited with significantly growing the international business during a period when many traditional media companies were struggling to expand outside their home markets.


Bakish's tenure as Viacom CEO was marked by efforts to stabilize the company's cable networks, invest in content production, and explore new distribution models. He also participated in discussions and events organized by the ''Financial Times'', where he was featured as a speaker discussing the future of media.<ref name="ft-speaker">{{cite web |title=Bob Bakish Speaker Details |url=http://event.ft-live.com/ereg/popups/speakerdetails.php?eventid=74708&language=eng&speakerid=148002& |publisher=Financial Times Live |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In his role at VIMN, Bakish was recognized as a leading figure in international media. He participated in industry conferences and events, including the ''Financial Times'' Digital Media Conference, where he discussed the challenges and opportunities facing global media companies in the digital age.<ref>{{cite web |title=Speaker Details — Bob Bakish |url=http://event.ft-live.com/ereg/popups/speakerdetails.php?eventid=74708&language=eng&speakerid=148002& |publisher=FT Live |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The ''Financial Times'' also profiled Bakish and his leadership of the international division during this period.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bob Bakish Profile |url=https://www.ft.com/content/8e6e233c-bf94-3aaa-8704-364079c863c2 |publisher=Financial Times |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


=== Merger and Paramount Global ===
=== Interim and Permanent CEO of Viacom ===


A defining moment in Bakish's career came with the reunification of Viacom and [[CBS Corporation]]. The two companies, which had been split apart in 2006, merged on December 4, 2019, forming [[ViacomCBS]] (later renamed [[Paramount Global]]). Bakish was named president and CEO of the newly combined entity, overseeing a media portfolio that included CBS's broadcast television network, Paramount Pictures' film studio, and Viacom's suite of cable channels.<ref name="variety-severance" />
In November 2016, amid a period of corporate turmoil at Viacom that included a public dispute over the leadership of controlling shareholder [[Sumner Redstone]] and the departure of then-CEO [[Philippe Dauman]], Bakish was named interim CEO of Viacom.<ref name="interim-ceo">{{cite news |title=Viacom Names Bob Bakish Interim CEO |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-names-bob-bakish-interim-ceo-941672 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The appointment was seen as a stabilizing move by the company's board, led by [[Shari Redstone]], who had emerged as the key decision-maker for the Redstone family's media interests following her father's declining health.


Under Bakish's leadership, ViacomCBS launched [[Paramount+]] as its flagship streaming service, positioning it as a competitor to [[Netflix]], [[Disney+]], [[HBO Max]], and other major streaming platforms. The company rebranded itself as Paramount Global in early 2022, reflecting the centrality of the Paramount brand to its identity and strategy.
Bakish was subsequently named permanent president and CEO of Viacom, a position from which he embarked on an effort to revitalize the company's domestic cable networks, which had experienced ratings declines and loss of advertising revenue. His strategy focused on investing in fewer, higher-quality original programs, rebuilding relationships with pay-television distributors, and pursuing strategic partnerships to position Viacom for the streaming era.


Bakish's strategy for Paramount Global centered on leveraging the company's vast content library—including franchises such as ''[[Star Trek]]'', ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]'', ''[[Mission: Impossible]]'', and ''[[Yellowstone (TV series)|Yellowstone]]''—to drive subscriber growth for Paramount+. The ''Yellowstone'' franchise, developed by [[Taylor Sheridan]], became one of the company's signature content assets during this period. A report by ''The Ankler'' later detailed how the series originated from a risk taken by Paramount executive Kevin Kay, who championed Sheridan's vision.<ref name="ankler-yellowstone">{{cite news |last=|first=|date=September 3, 2025 |title=One Big Swing: How 'Yellowstone' Was Born From a Single Gut Call |url=https://theankler.com/p/yellowstone-paramount-taylor-sheridan-kevin-kay-bob-bakish |work=The Ankler |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
A key element of Bakish's strategy at Viacom was the development and expansion of the company's streaming service, [[Pluto TV]], a free, ad-supported streaming platform that Viacom acquired in 2019. The acquisition reflected Bakish's belief that Viacom needed to build a meaningful presence in the digital distribution space to remain competitive.<ref name="bi-ignition">{{cite web |title=Viacom's Bob Bakish to Speak at Ignition |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/viacoms-bob-bakish-to-speak-at-ignition-2017-6 |publisher=Business Insider |date=2017 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


=== Departure from Paramount ===
=== President and CEO of Paramount Global ===


Bakish's tenure as CEO of Paramount Global ended on April 29, 2024. His departure came amid a period of declining stock market performance for Paramount and ongoing discussions about a potential major merger or acquisition of the company. Reports indicated that Bakish clashed with [[Shari Redstone]], the controlling shareholder of Paramount Global through [[National Amusements]], over the company's strategic direction and potential deal-making.<ref name="fortune-severance" />
On December 4, 2019, the merger of Viacom and [[CBS Corporation]] was completed, creating '''ViacomCBS''', which was later rebranded as '''Paramount Global''' in 2022. Bakish was named president and CEO of the combined entity, overseeing a vast portfolio that included the [[CBS]] broadcast network, [[Paramount Pictures]] film studio, cable networks including [[MTV]], [[Nickelodeon]], [[BET]], and [[Comedy Central]], the [[Paramount+]] streaming service, and the company's extensive international operations.


Following Bakish's exit, Paramount Global installed a trio of co-CEOs—[[George Cheeks]], [[Chris McCarthy]], and [[Brian Robbins]]—to lead the company during a transitional period.<ref name="deadline-pay">{{cite news |last=|first=|date=April 25, 2025 |title=Paramount Global Ex-CEO Bob Bakish Walks Away With Almost $87M In Total 2024 Pay |url=https://deadline.com/2025/04/paramount-ceo-george-cheeks-chris-mccarthy-brian-robbins-executive-compensation-1236377282/ |work=Deadline |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
As CEO of Paramount Global, Bakish faced the dual challenge of managing legacy linear television businesses — which were experiencing secular decline in viewership and advertising revenue — while simultaneously investing heavily in the [[Paramount+]] streaming service to compete with [[Netflix]], [[Disney+]], [[HBO Max]], and other streaming rivals. The company's streaming strategy required billions of dollars in content spending, which weighed on profitability.


=== Compensation and Severance ===
During this period, Bakish oversaw the expansion of Paramount's content pipeline, including the development of programming for the ''Yellowstone'' franchise on the [[Paramount Network]], which became one of the most-watched cable series in the United States. The show, created by [[Taylor Sheridan]], was the product of strategic content bets made by Paramount executives during this era.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 3, 2025 |title=One Big Swing: How 'Yellowstone' Was Born From a Single Gut Call |url=https://theankler.com/p/yellowstone-paramount-taylor-sheridan-kevin-kay-bob-bakish |work=The Ankler |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


In April 2025, Paramount Global disclosed Bakish's 2024 compensation in a proxy filing, revealing that his total pay for the year amounted to approximately $86.96 million, a 178% increase over his 2023 compensation of $31.3 million. The bulk of this figure was attributed to his severance package.<ref name="thewrap-pay">{{cite news |last=|first=|date=April 25, 2025 |title=Paramount Ex-CEO Bob Bakish's 2024 Pay Jumped 178% to $86.96 Million |url=https://www.thewrap.com/paramount-bob-bakish-george-cheeks-brian-robbins-chris-mccarthy-2024-pay/ |work=TheWrap |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Despite these efforts, Paramount Global's stock price declined significantly during Bakish's tenure as CEO of the combined company, reflecting investor concerns about the long-term viability of the company's business model, the high costs of streaming investment, and the erosion of traditional pay-television revenue.


''Variety'' reported that Bakish received $69.3 million in severance compensation alone, describing it as a "golden parachute" that the executive received after being dismissed from his position.<ref name="variety-severance" /> ''Fortune'' similarly characterized the payment as a significant severance arrangement, noting the contrast between Bakish's ouster following clashes with Shari Redstone and the size of his compensation package.<ref name="fortune-severance" />
=== Departure from Paramount Global ===


''Deadline'' reported that Bakish's total 2024 pay approached $87 million when all components were included, while the three co-CEOs who succeeded him—Cheeks, McCarthy, and Robbins—each earned approximately $20 million in 2024.<ref name="deadline-pay" /> ''The Hollywood Reporter'' also disclosed the compensation figures, noting that the combined earnings of the three co-CEOs exceeded $61 million for the year.<ref name="thr-pay">{{cite news |last=|first=|date=April 25, 2025 |title=Paramount Co-CEOs Earned More Than $61M Combined in 2024, Bob Bakish Severance Revealed |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-global-ceo-pay-2024-robbins-cheeks-mccarthy-1236169776/ |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
On April 29, 2024, Bakish departed from his role as president and CEO of Paramount Global. His departure came amid declining stock market performance and ongoing discussions about a potential major merger or sale of the company.<ref name="fortune-severance">{{cite news |date=April 26, 2025 |title=Bob Bakish was ousted by Paramount after clashing with Shari Redstone and he still got rewarded with a $69.3 million golden parachute |url=https://fortune.com/article/bob-bakish-ousted-paramount-ceo-severance-compensation-golden-parachute/ |work=Fortune |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Reports indicated that Bakish's departure was connected to disagreements with Shari Redstone, the controlling shareholder, over the strategic direction of the company, particularly regarding potential merger partners.<ref name="fortune-severance" />


The size of Bakish's severance attracted considerable media coverage and commentary about executive compensation practices in the entertainment industry, particularly given Paramount's financial difficulties at the time of his departure.
Following Bakish's departure, Paramount Global appointed a trio of co-CEOs — [[George Cheeks]], [[Chris McCarthy]], and [[Brian Robbins]] — to lead the company on an interim basis as merger discussions continued.


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Bakish has two children.<ref name="bloomberg" /> He has maintained a connection to his educational institutions, serving on the boards of both the Columbia Business School and the Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science.<ref name="columbia-board" /><ref name="columbia-visitors" /> He was recognized as a distinguished alumnus of the [[Dwight-Englewood School]].<ref name="de-distinguished" />
Bob Bakish has largely kept his personal life out of the public spotlight. He has two children.<ref name="bloomberg" /> He has maintained his connections to his educational institutions, serving in advisory and governance roles at Columbia University's School of Engineering and Columbia Business School.


Bakish has resided in the New Jersey area, where he grew up. Details about his private life beyond these publicly documented facts are limited in available sources.
Bakish resides in the New York metropolitan area, consistent with his longstanding professional ties to the region's media industry.


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Bakish's career in the media industry brought him recognition from several institutions. His alma mater, Dwight-Englewood School, named him among its distinguished alumni, and the school highlighted his career achievements on its website.<ref name="de-school" /><ref name="de-distinguished" /> He was also featured in a news item by the school noting his professional accomplishments.<ref name="de-news">{{cite web |title=Bob Bakish News |url=https://www.d-e.org/page/news-detail?pk=583031 |publisher=Dwight-Englewood School |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
=== Severance and Compensation ===
 
Bakish's compensation became the subject of significant media attention following his departure from Paramount Global. In April 2025, regulatory filings disclosed that Bakish received $69.3 million in severance compensation as part of his separation from Paramount Global.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 25, 2025 |title=Ousted Paramount CEO Bob Bakish Received $69.3 Million in Severance |url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/paramount-bob-bakish-severance-ceo-pay-packages-2024-1236378572/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His total 2024 compensation, including the severance package and other elements of his pay, amounted to approximately $86.96 million, representing a 178 percent increase over his 2023 compensation of $31.3 million.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 25, 2025 |title=Paramount Ex-CEO Bob Bakish's 2024 Pay Jumped 178% to $86.96 Million |url=https://www.thewrap.com/paramount-bob-bakish-george-cheeks-brian-robbins-chris-mccarthy-2024-pay/ |work=TheWrap |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> By some calculations, Bakish's total 2024 pay approached $87 million when all components were included.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 25, 2025 |title=Paramount Global Ex-CEO Bob Bakish Walks Away With Almost $87M In Total 2024 Pay |url=https://deadline.com/2025/04/paramount-ceo-george-cheeks-chris-mccarthy-brian-robbins-executive-compensation-1236377282/ |work=Deadline |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Columbia University recognized Bakish through his selection as the 2013 Class Day speaker for the School of Engineering and Applied Science, an honor typically reserved for accomplished alumni.<ref name="columbia-engineering" /> His service on the boards of both the Columbia Business School and the engineering school's Board of Visitors further reflected his standing within the university community.<ref name="columbia-board" /><ref name="columbia-visitors" />
The severance package was described in media reports as a "golden parachute" and drew attention for its size relative to the company's declining stock performance during Bakish's final year.<ref name="fortune-severance" /><ref>{{cite news |date=April 25, 2025 |title=Paramount Co-CEOs Earned More Than $61M Combined in 2024, Bob Bakish Severance Revealed |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-global-ceo-pay-2024-robbins-cheeks-mccarthy-1236169776/ |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The disclosure contributed to broader industry discussions about executive compensation in the media sector during a period of significant financial pressure and corporate restructuring.


During his time as a media executive, Bakish was invited to speak at prominent industry events, including the ''Business Insider'' Ignition conference and ''Financial Times'' live events, reflecting his profile as a leading figure in the global media sector.<ref name="bi-ignition" /><ref name="ft-speaker" />
=== Academic and Industry Recognition ===


The ''Financial Times'' profiled Bakish during his time at Viacom, examining his role in the company's international expansion and strategic direction.<ref name="ft-profile">{{cite news |last=|first=|date= |title=Bob Bakish Profile |url=https://www.ft.com/content/8e6e233c-bf94-3aaa-8704-364079c863c2 |work=Financial Times |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Bakish was recognized as a distinguished alumnus by the [[Dwight-Englewood School]], his secondary school alma mater, for his achievements in the media industry.<ref name="de-distinguished" /><ref>{{cite web |title=News Detail — Bob Bakish |url=https://www.d-e.org/page/news-detail?pk=583031 |publisher=Dwight-Englewood School |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His selection as the 2013 Class Day speaker at Columbia University's School of Engineering further reflected his standing in both the business and academic communities.<ref name="columbia-engineering" />


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Bob Bakish's career at Viacom and Paramount Global spanned more than two decades, during which time he played a central role in the company's international expansion, its transformation through the Viacom-CBS reunification, and its entry into the streaming wars. His appointment as CEO in 2016 came at a moment of crisis for Viacom, and he is credited with stabilizing the company during a period of significant industry disruption.
Bob Bakish's career at Viacom and Paramount Global spanned more than two decades and encompassed one of the most transformative periods in the history of the media industry. His rise from a management consultant to the CEO of a major media conglomerate tracked the industry's shift from a business defined by broadcast and cable television to one increasingly dominated by streaming platforms and digital distribution.
 
The merger of Viacom and CBS under Bakish's leadership created one of the largest media companies in the world, bringing together broadcast television, cable networks, a major film studio, and a growing streaming platform under a single corporate umbrella. The launch and growth of Paramount+ represented a significant strategic bet on the future of direct-to-consumer distribution in the entertainment industry.


However, Bakish's tenure also coincided with broader challenges facing legacy media companies, including cord-cutting, intensifying streaming competition, and the financial strain of simultaneously operating traditional television businesses while investing heavily in streaming. Paramount Global's stock performance declined during this period, contributing to the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Bakish's leadership of Viacom International Media Networks helped establish a model for global media expansion built on local content investment and market-specific programming strategies. The growth of Viacom 18 in India and the expansion of MTV, Nickelodeon, and other brands into markets across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa during his tenure at VIMN represented a period of significant international growth for the company.


His exit and the subsequent disclosure of his $69.3 million severance package became a focal point in broader discussions about executive compensation in Hollywood and the media industry, particularly at a time when many media companies were implementing cost-cutting measures, including layoffs.<ref name="variety-severance" /><ref name="fortune-severance" /><ref name="thewrap-pay" />
As CEO of Paramount Global, Bakish oversaw the complex integration of the Viacom and CBS assets and the launch and expansion of the Paramount+ streaming service. While the company faced financial challenges and stock price declines during this period — pressures common across much of the traditional media industry — the strategic investments in streaming and content made under his leadership shaped the company's trajectory into a new era of media competition.


Bakish's international experience—particularly his work in building Viacom's presence in markets such as India through Viacom18—contributed to the company's global footprint and represented a strategic direction that distinguished Viacom from some of its domestic competitors.<ref name="adgully" />
His departure in 2024, and the subsequent discussions about the sale or merger of Paramount Global, underscored the broader challenges facing mid-sized media conglomerates in competing with larger, more diversified technology and entertainment companies. The circumstances of Bakish's exit, including his substantial severance package, became part of a wider public conversation about executive compensation, corporate governance, and accountability in the entertainment industry.


== References ==
== References ==
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Latest revision as of 05:12, 24 February 2026


Bob Bakish
BornRobert Marc Bakish
14 12, 1963
BirthplaceEnglewood, New Jersey, United States
NationalityAmerican
OccupationBusiness executive
TitlePresident and CEO of Paramount Global (2019–2024)
Known forFormer President and CEO of Paramount Global
EducationMaster of Business Administration
Children2

Robert Marc Bakish (born December 14, 1963), known professionally as Bob Bakish, is an American business executive who served as the president and chief executive officer of Paramount Global from the company's formation on December 4, 2019, until his departure on April 29, 2024. A career-long executive within the Viacom corporate family, Bakish rose through the ranks over more than two decades, holding leadership positions across the company's domestic and international operations before ascending to the top role. His tenure at the helm of Paramount Global was marked by the challenges of navigating the media industry's transition to streaming, the integration of the former Viacom and CBS Corporation assets, and intensifying competition from technology companies and rival studios. Bakish's departure in 2024 came amid declining stock performance and discussions surrounding a potential major merger of the company, and he subsequently received one of the largest severance packages in recent entertainment industry history.[1] His career trajectory — from an operations analyst and strategy consultant to the leader of one of the world's largest media conglomerates — traced the arc of an industry undergoing profound transformation.

Early Life

Robert Marc Bakish was born on December 14, 1963, in Englewood, New Jersey, a borough in Bergen County located across the Hudson River from New York City.[2] He grew up in the northern New Jersey area and attended Dwight-Englewood School, a private college preparatory school in Englewood.[3] The school, which has educated a number of notable figures in business, entertainment, and public life, later recognized Bakish as a distinguished alumnus for his accomplishments in the media industry.[4]

Details about Bakish's family background and childhood remain largely private. What is publicly documented is that he demonstrated early academic aptitude and an interest in business and technology, which guided his educational and professional choices in the years that followed.

Education

After graduating from Dwight-Englewood School, Bakish enrolled at Columbia University in New York City, one of the Ivy League institutions.[5] He earned his undergraduate degree from the Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Science. Bakish later returned to Columbia to pursue graduate studies, earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Columbia Business School.[2]

Bakish has maintained close ties with his alma mater throughout his career. He has served on the Board of Visitors of the Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science, contributing to the school's strategic direction and engagement with the business community.[6] He has also served on the Board of Overseers of Columbia Business School, further reflecting his ongoing involvement with the university.[7] In 2013, Bakish was invited to deliver the Class Day address at the Columbia School of Engineering, where he spoke to graduating students about leadership, risk-taking, and the evolving media landscape.[5]

Career

Early Career and Entry into Viacom

Before joining Viacom, Bakish worked as a management consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, a global management and technology consulting firm.[2] His work at the firm provided him with experience in corporate strategy, operations, and the telecommunications sector, which would prove relevant to his subsequent career in media.

Bakish joined Viacom in the late 1990s and quickly advanced through a series of operational and strategic roles. His early work at the company focused on corporate development and strategic planning, areas where his consulting background and engineering education were particularly applicable.

Rise at Viacom: Domestic Operations

By the early 2000s, Bakish had established himself as a key figure within Viacom's corporate structure. In July 2004, Viacom undertook a significant reorganization of its operations, and Bakish was among the executives who assumed expanded responsibilities as part of the restructuring under the company's new co-president structure.[8] The 2004 reorganization was covered by multiple industry outlets, reflecting the significance of the executive changes to Viacom's strategic direction.[9][10]

During this period, Bakish held roles overseeing Viacom's operational strategy and was involved in managing the company's portfolio of cable networks and media properties. His ability to manage complex organizational structures and drive efficiency across multiple business units distinguished him among his peers within the company.

MTV Networks International

A pivotal phase of Bakish's career began in 2007, when he was appointed president of MTV Networks International (MTVNI), the division responsible for Viacom's media brands outside the United States.[11][12] In this role, Bakish reported to Bill Roedy, the longtime head of MTV Networks International, and was responsible for overseeing the expansion and management of MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and other Viacom-owned channels across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa.[13]

Under Bakish's leadership, MTV Networks International pursued an aggressive growth strategy, expanding its channel portfolio and investing in locally produced content in key markets around the world.[14] This approach — localizing global brands rather than simply exporting American programming — became a hallmark of Bakish's strategic philosophy and one that would define his later leadership of the broader company.

One notable example of this strategy was the development of Viacom 18, a joint venture between Viacom and the TV18 group in India. Bakish later recalled the launch of Viacom 18 as a significant strategic bet, describing it as a "go big or go home play" that reflected the company's ambition to establish a meaningful presence in the rapidly growing Indian media market.[15] The Indian venture grew to become one of the most significant international media operations in Viacom's portfolio.

Viacom International Media Networks

As MTV Networks International was reorganized and rebranded as Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), Bakish continued to lead the division in an expanded capacity. As president and CEO of VIMN, he oversaw a global portfolio of channels and digital properties spanning more than 180 countries. The division operated hundreds of locally programmed and operated channels, and Bakish was credited with significantly growing the international business during a period when many traditional media companies were struggling to expand outside their home markets.

In his role at VIMN, Bakish was recognized as a leading figure in international media. He participated in industry conferences and events, including the Financial Times Digital Media Conference, where he discussed the challenges and opportunities facing global media companies in the digital age.[16] The Financial Times also profiled Bakish and his leadership of the international division during this period.[17]

Interim and Permanent CEO of Viacom

In November 2016, amid a period of corporate turmoil at Viacom that included a public dispute over the leadership of controlling shareholder Sumner Redstone and the departure of then-CEO Philippe Dauman, Bakish was named interim CEO of Viacom.[18] The appointment was seen as a stabilizing move by the company's board, led by Shari Redstone, who had emerged as the key decision-maker for the Redstone family's media interests following her father's declining health.

Bakish was subsequently named permanent president and CEO of Viacom, a position from which he embarked on an effort to revitalize the company's domestic cable networks, which had experienced ratings declines and loss of advertising revenue. His strategy focused on investing in fewer, higher-quality original programs, rebuilding relationships with pay-television distributors, and pursuing strategic partnerships to position Viacom for the streaming era.

A key element of Bakish's strategy at Viacom was the development and expansion of the company's streaming service, Pluto TV, a free, ad-supported streaming platform that Viacom acquired in 2019. The acquisition reflected Bakish's belief that Viacom needed to build a meaningful presence in the digital distribution space to remain competitive.[19]

President and CEO of Paramount Global

On December 4, 2019, the merger of Viacom and CBS Corporation was completed, creating ViacomCBS, which was later rebranded as Paramount Global in 2022. Bakish was named president and CEO of the combined entity, overseeing a vast portfolio that included the CBS broadcast network, Paramount Pictures film studio, cable networks including MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, and Comedy Central, the Paramount+ streaming service, and the company's extensive international operations.

As CEO of Paramount Global, Bakish faced the dual challenge of managing legacy linear television businesses — which were experiencing secular decline in viewership and advertising revenue — while simultaneously investing heavily in the Paramount+ streaming service to compete with Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and other streaming rivals. The company's streaming strategy required billions of dollars in content spending, which weighed on profitability.

During this period, Bakish oversaw the expansion of Paramount's content pipeline, including the development of programming for the Yellowstone franchise on the Paramount Network, which became one of the most-watched cable series in the United States. The show, created by Taylor Sheridan, was the product of strategic content bets made by Paramount executives during this era.[20]

Despite these efforts, Paramount Global's stock price declined significantly during Bakish's tenure as CEO of the combined company, reflecting investor concerns about the long-term viability of the company's business model, the high costs of streaming investment, and the erosion of traditional pay-television revenue.

Departure from Paramount Global

On April 29, 2024, Bakish departed from his role as president and CEO of Paramount Global. His departure came amid declining stock market performance and ongoing discussions about a potential major merger or sale of the company.[21] Reports indicated that Bakish's departure was connected to disagreements with Shari Redstone, the controlling shareholder, over the strategic direction of the company, particularly regarding potential merger partners.[21]

Following Bakish's departure, Paramount Global appointed a trio of co-CEOs — George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins — to lead the company on an interim basis as merger discussions continued.

Personal Life

Bob Bakish has largely kept his personal life out of the public spotlight. He has two children.[2] He has maintained his connections to his educational institutions, serving in advisory and governance roles at Columbia University's School of Engineering and Columbia Business School.

Bakish resides in the New York metropolitan area, consistent with his longstanding professional ties to the region's media industry.

Recognition

Severance and Compensation

Bakish's compensation became the subject of significant media attention following his departure from Paramount Global. In April 2025, regulatory filings disclosed that Bakish received $69.3 million in severance compensation as part of his separation from Paramount Global.[22] His total 2024 compensation, including the severance package and other elements of his pay, amounted to approximately $86.96 million, representing a 178 percent increase over his 2023 compensation of $31.3 million.[23] By some calculations, Bakish's total 2024 pay approached $87 million when all components were included.[24]

The severance package was described in media reports as a "golden parachute" and drew attention for its size relative to the company's declining stock performance during Bakish's final year.[21][25] The disclosure contributed to broader industry discussions about executive compensation in the media sector during a period of significant financial pressure and corporate restructuring.

Academic and Industry Recognition

Bakish was recognized as a distinguished alumnus by the Dwight-Englewood School, his secondary school alma mater, for his achievements in the media industry.[4][26] His selection as the 2013 Class Day speaker at Columbia University's School of Engineering further reflected his standing in both the business and academic communities.[5]

Legacy

Bob Bakish's career at Viacom and Paramount Global spanned more than two decades and encompassed one of the most transformative periods in the history of the media industry. His rise from a management consultant to the CEO of a major media conglomerate tracked the industry's shift from a business defined by broadcast and cable television to one increasingly dominated by streaming platforms and digital distribution.

Bakish's leadership of Viacom International Media Networks helped establish a model for global media expansion built on local content investment and market-specific programming strategies. The growth of Viacom 18 in India and the expansion of MTV, Nickelodeon, and other brands into markets across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa during his tenure at VIMN represented a period of significant international growth for the company.

As CEO of Paramount Global, Bakish oversaw the complex integration of the Viacom and CBS assets and the launch and expansion of the Paramount+ streaming service. While the company faced financial challenges and stock price declines during this period — pressures common across much of the traditional media industry — the strategic investments in streaming and content made under his leadership shaped the company's trajectory into a new era of media competition.

His departure in 2024, and the subsequent discussions about the sale or merger of Paramount Global, underscored the broader challenges facing mid-sized media conglomerates in competing with larger, more diversified technology and entertainment companies. The circumstances of Bakish's exit, including his substantial severance package, became part of a wider public conversation about executive compensation, corporate governance, and accountability in the entertainment industry.

References

  1. ↑ "Ousted Paramount CEO Bob Bakish Received $69.3 Million in Severance".Variety.April 25, 2025.https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/paramount-bob-bakish-severance-ceo-pay-packages-2024-1236378572/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Robert M. Bakish Profile".Bloomberg.https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=11043733&privcapId=25403751&previousCapId=25403751&previousTitle=VIACOM%2520INC-CLASS%2520B.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ "Robert Bakish — Distinguished Alumni".Dwight-Englewood School.http://www.d-e125.org/alumni/robert-bakish.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Distinguished Alumni".Dwight-Englewood School.http://www.d-e125.org/alumni-distinguished.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Address of 2013 Class Day Speaker Robert M. Bakish, Viacom International Media Networks CEO".Columbia University School of Engineering.https://engineering.columbia.edu/news/address-2013-class-day-speaker-robert-m-bakish-viacom-international-media-networks-ceo.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "Bob Bakish — Board of Visitors".Columbia University School of Engineering.https://engineering.columbia.edu/board-of-visitors/bob-bakish.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Robert Bakish — Board".Columbia Business School.https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/about-us/board/robert-bakish.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "Company News; Viacom Shuffles Operations Under New Co-President".The New York Times.July 30, 2004.https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/30/business/company-news-viacom-shuffles-operations-under-new-co-president.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Viacom reorganization".Forbes.July 30, 2004.https://www.forbes.com/2004/07/30/cx_gl_0730faceweek.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Viacom Shuffles Operations".Forbes (via AP).July 30, 2004.https://web.archive.org/web/20040803123831/https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2004/07/30/ap1481754.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Bakish given international role at MTV".Variety.2007.https://variety.com/2007/music/markets-festivals/bakish-given-international-role-at-mtv-1117956788/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Bakish Rises at MTV Nets".The Hollywood Reporter.https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bakish-rises-at-mtv-nets-127397.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Bob Bakish appointed president, MTV Networks International".Indian Television Dot Com.https://indiantelevision.com/news-headline/bob-bakish-appointed-president-mtv-networks-international.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "MTV Int'l Plotting Second Act".Variety.2007.https://variety.com/2007/scene/features/mtv-int-l-plotting-second-act-1117971575/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "'It was a go big or go home play': Bob Bakish recalls Viacom18's early days".AdGully.https://www.adgully.com/it-was-a-go-big-or-go-home-play-bob-bakish-recalls-viacom18-s-early-days-75046.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Speaker Details — Bob Bakish".FT Live.http://event.ft-live.com/ereg/popups/speakerdetails.php?eventid=74708&language=eng&speakerid=148002&.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Bob Bakish Profile".Financial Times.https://www.ft.com/content/8e6e233c-bf94-3aaa-8704-364079c863c2.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Viacom Names Bob Bakish Interim CEO".The Hollywood Reporter.https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-names-bob-bakish-interim-ceo-941672.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "Viacom's Bob Bakish to Speak at Ignition".Business Insider.2017.https://www.businessinsider.com/viacoms-bob-bakish-to-speak-at-ignition-2017-6.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "One Big Swing: How 'Yellowstone' Was Born From a Single Gut Call".The Ankler.September 3, 2025.https://theankler.com/p/yellowstone-paramount-taylor-sheridan-kevin-kay-bob-bakish.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 "Bob Bakish was ousted by Paramount after clashing with Shari Redstone and he still got rewarded with a $69.3 million golden parachute".Fortune.April 26, 2025.https://fortune.com/article/bob-bakish-ousted-paramount-ceo-severance-compensation-golden-parachute/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Ousted Paramount CEO Bob Bakish Received $69.3 Million in Severance".Variety.April 25, 2025.https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/paramount-bob-bakish-severance-ceo-pay-packages-2024-1236378572/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Paramount Ex-CEO Bob Bakish's 2024 Pay Jumped 178% to $86.96 Million".TheWrap.April 25, 2025.https://www.thewrap.com/paramount-bob-bakish-george-cheeks-brian-robbins-chris-mccarthy-2024-pay/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Paramount Global Ex-CEO Bob Bakish Walks Away With Almost $87M In Total 2024 Pay".Deadline.April 25, 2025.https://deadline.com/2025/04/paramount-ceo-george-cheeks-chris-mccarthy-brian-robbins-executive-compensation-1236377282/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Paramount Co-CEOs Earned More Than $61M Combined in 2024, Bob Bakish Severance Revealed".The Hollywood Reporter.April 25, 2025.https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-global-ceo-pay-2024-robbins-cheeks-mccarthy-1236169776/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "News Detail — Bob Bakish".Dwight-Englewood School.https://www.d-e.org/page/news-detail?pk=583031.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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