- ISS urges votes against four Paramount directors
- Concerns raised on control and board oversight
What happened: Shareholder adviser flags issues with Paramount board and structure
Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) has recommended that shareholders vote against four Paramount Global directors, including Chair Shari Redstone. The advice comes ahead of the company’s annual meeting in early July. ISS cited concerns over Paramount’s capital structure, which grants outsized voting power to National Amusements, a company controlled by the Redstone family. This control structure allows the family to retain decision-making power despite holding a small portion of the economic interest.
ISS also criticised the board’s approach to executive pay. It noted that compensation decisions placed too much emphasis on personal judgment, which reduced transparency and objectivity. As part of its review, ISS pointed to weak alignment between pay and performance. Paramount is also proposing a smaller board as it proceeds with an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media. The board would shrink from eleven to seven members. Shareholders will also vote on other proposals, including a settlement with Donald Trump, equity adjustments for directors, and a review of hiring practices.
Also read: Bronfman’s plans for Paramount Global include partnering with Amazon or Apple
Also read: Skydance outlines vision for Paramount as tech-media hybrid
Why it’s important
The ISS recommendation signals broader concern over Paramount’s governance. Investors are paying attention to how power is concentrated and how pay decisions are made. The Redstone family’s control has raised questions about whether the board reflects the interests of all shareholders. The merger with Skydance has brought more scrutiny. This is because high-value transactions require clear oversight and trust in board independence. The proposed board changes aim to strengthen governance during the deal process.
The vote may also influence perceptions of how Paramount responds to governance challenges. Shareholders are being asked to approve both the merger path and new leadership plans. At the same time, the Trump settlement and equity proposals add layers to the governance debate. These matters reflect a wider industry trend where family-led firms must respond to growing pressure for transparency. The decisions made at the meeting may shape the company’s future and influence how similar firms handle control and accountability.
