Showtime’s Erin Calhoun resigns as director of communications for Paramount Streaming Susan Lundgren

Erin Calhoun, EVP, Communications, Showtime Networks & Paramount Television Studios, has been appointed to a new role as EVP, Communications, Paramount Streaming and Cross-Company Publicity.

The promotion follows Paramount Global’s announcement yesterday that Showtime will be integrated with Paramount+, rebranding the linear cable network as Paramount+ with Showtime.

As part of the change, SVP Susan Lundgren is leaving after ten years. Lundgren came through CBS Interactive and later became SVP Communications for ViacomCBS Streaming.

The promotion of Calhoun, a veteran communications executive who brings decades of experience to the role, is the first of a series of changes to Showtime’s leadership ranks expected as a result of the integration with Paramount+, including reassignments, voluntary departures and terminations.

There will be further consolidation of the streaming communications teams from Paramount, Paramount+, Pluto TV and Showtime, under Calhoun, who will report to Tom Ryan, president and CEO of Paramount Streaming. She will also work closely with Chris McCarthy and his team in his capacity as Showtime executive. In her corporate public relations role, Calhoun will report to Justin Dini, EVP, Head of Corporate Communications.

“Paramount is home to a team of world-class communications professionals who consistently deliver great results for the company’s portfolio of leading brands,” said Dini. “This new feature will help advance and accelerate our efforts to operate as ‘one of the most’ in the global communications function as we increasingly work together seamlessly and regularly to support the company’s top priorities.”

Calhoun joined Showtime in 2017 and was named EVP of Communications in 2020. He will report to Showtime Chairman and CEO David Nevins. She then added communications oversight for Paramount TV Studios when the studio was added to Nevins’ portfolio. After Nevins’ departure last fall, PTVS was transferred to George Cheeks.

Calhoun joined Showtime from NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, where she served as vice president of corporate communications, leading commercial and corporate strategies and internal communications for USA Network and Syfy. Before joining NBC, Calhoun spent six years at Discovery Communications as vice president of communications.

Prior to that, Calhoun worked for 10 years as an independent consultant for various clients including TNT, TBS, Disney Channel, Discovery and GSN (Game Show Network). Prior to that, Calhoun spent three years at TNT as a unit publicist and press project manager, managing the promotions department for original TNT films. Calhoun spent her career at The Today Show as talent coordinator.

“As some of you know, Erin has been a passionate advocate for Paramount and Showtime, leading the development and execution of strategic communications programs that have enhanced and differentiated our original programming and creative skills in a busy landscape,” Ryan said in ‘ a memo from the company. announcing Calhoun’s promotion. “Her deep knowledge of the industry, strong media relations, sharp instincts and adaptability made her an indispensable partner in telling our story to both internal and external audiences.”

Ryan also acknowledged Lundgren.

“I want to thank Susan for her contributions during her time with the company, where she helped lead the communications effort not only for CBS All-Access post-launch, but also for the incredibly successful rebrand and launch of Paramount+ over the past supervise for two years.” he said. “Along with the work of the entire streaming communications team, Susan’s work has been integral in making Paramount+ one of the fastest growing streaming services in the industry.”