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Richard Parsons joined the CBS board approximately six weeks ago. He resigned Sunday, citing health reasons.
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Acting President Richard Parsons resigns for health problems. The new board member, Strauss Zelnick, will succeed him.
In a statement released on Sunday, Parsons said he was fighting multiple myeloma and that complications had occurred, prompting his doctors to recommend reducing his workload. Mr. Parsons only joined the CBS Board of Directors approximately six weeks ago.
"Unfortunately, unforeseen complications have created new challenges, and my doctors have advised reducing my current commitments is critical to my overall recovery," Parsons said, adding, "I am confident that the board of directors distinguished from CBS, now headed by Strauss Zelnick, as well as the strong CBS management team led by Joe Ianniello, will continue to successfully guide this company in its very promising future. "
Parsons' departure is the latest change to CBS's board of directors, which has been in transition since Leslie Moonves was forced to resign as president and CEO in early September. because of allegations of sexual harassment and assault. Mr. Moonves has denied being ever imposed on anyone. Bruce Gordon and William Cohen, two other members of the CAS Board of Directors, resigned less than a month ago.
Former Chief Executive Officer of Time Warner Inc., Mr. Parsons was invited to lend a hand to CBS after the departure of Mr. Moonves. He also had close ties with Shari Redstone, Vice President of CBS and President of National Amusements Inc., the majority shareholder of the broadcaster.
Mr. Zelnick, who joined CBS's Board at the same time as Mr. Parsons in early September, has extensive experience in the media industry, having held senior positions at BMG Entertainment and 20th Century Fox. He is currently president and CEO of the video game publisher.
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One of the first priorities of Mr. Zelnick and the board is to determine who will be his next executive director. Ianniello, Chief Operating Officer, was appointed interim general manager in September and is a candidate for the position, but the company should also consider external candidates.
In the past month, Ianniello has made several changes to the management of Canadian Blood Services. Last week, he named David Nevins, president of Showtime, creative director of CBS. This decision is important because, unlike Mr. Moonves, who has risen through the ranks of the Hollywood side of the business, Mr. Ianniello has no programming experience. Mr. Nevins will be responsible for the content of the CBS network as well as Showtime and the CBS All Access streaming service.
Write to Joe Flint at [email protected]
Published in the print edition of October 22, 2018, titled "Parsons Steps Down At CBS, Citing Health".
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