Paramount has named former Sony Pictures head of business affairs Andrew Gumpert as its chief operating officer, TheWrap has learned.
He will assume the role in January and report directly to Paramount CEO Brad Grey. Gumpert will replace outgoing COO Frederick Huntsberry, who leaves after 10 years at the studio.
Gumpert left Sony earlier this month after an 11-year stint. Numerous reports at the time said he clashed with Sony Motion Picture Group Chairman Tom Rothman, one of several higher-ups that did not mesh with the executive appointed to stabilize the studio after a 2014 computer hack.
Before his most recent post at Sony, Gumpert worked at Miramax for seven years. He had a position in legal affairs at Sony prior to that, and before joining the studio the first time, worked at entertainment law firm Hill Wynne Troop (now Troop Meisinger Steuber & Pasich).
“I could not be more pleased to welcome Andrew to our executive team,” Grey said in a statement announcing the hire. “He is one of the most respected executives in our industry, known for his hard work, integrity, steady hand and business acumen. He is the perfect addition to our team and we all look forward to working with him.”
“I feel privileged to join Brad and his team,” Gumpert said in the statement. “I have known Brad and the leadership of Paramount for most of my career, and couldn’t be more excited to become part of this legendary studio and work alongside such a talented group of executives.”
