When it's time to let a star employee go

"One of Paramount's most powerful creative minds has left the production company. Taylor Sheridan-whose major hits, including Yellowstone, Landman, and Lioness, made him one of Paramount's most powerful writers and producers-has ditched the media house. The move comes shortly after a new chief executive, David Ellison, came on board in August and a merger between the company and Skydance was approved. Sheridan will remain involved with his Paramount projects until his current deal ends in January."

"But while Sheridan helped prime Paramount for success, starting early next year, he will be making programs for NBCUniversal's streaming service, Peacock-a direct competitor. So what happened? Why would a company let a star performer walk? A major loss amid restructuring The loss will undoubtedly be felt by the media company, which is already coping with layoffs and restructuring. Losing a star performer who's acted as an anchor can make things feel even more unmoored and uncertain for the employees who remain."

"On October 29 Ellison sent a memo to staff, explaining that around 1,000 roles would be cut as the company addresses "redundancies that have emerged across the organization" as well as "phasing out roles that are no longer aligned with our evolving priorities and the new structure designed to strengthen our focus on growth." Sheridan, a writer, producer, and director, reportedly made his decision to part ways with Paramount after spats over costs and creative control."

Taylor Sheridan, creator of hits including Yellowstone, Landman, and Lioness, exited Paramount and will produce programs for Peacock once his current deal ends in January. The departure followed the arrival of new CEO David Ellison and an approved merger with Skydance. Around 1,000 roles will be cut as the company addresses redundancies and restructures priorities. Sheridan reportedly parted ways after disputes over costs and creative control, reductions in his previous budget freedom, key decisions made without his knowledge, and the departure of an executive who managed his projects.

Read at Fast Company