By Stone Martindale Jan 11, 2007, 0:53 GMT
LOS ANGELES - Paramount Pictures Corp. President Gail Berman has stepped down, effective immediately, the film studio said in a released press statement Wednesday.
06/12/2006 - Gail Berman - Nacho Libre Premiere in Los Angeles - Mann Chinese Theatre - Hollywood, CA © Glenn Harris / Photorazzi
Berman leaves after 18 months since she joined Paramount, with a mandate from Paramount's chairman and CEO Brad Grey to turn the ailing studio around.
Paramount did not get into specifics on why she stepped down.
In a statement, Brad Grey said a reorganization of the studio's production structure would be announced soon.
"Gail's dedication in the last 18 months has been invaluable during this important and historic time at Paramount," Grey said. "We respect and appreciate her contributions in reshaping the direction of Paramount Pictures."
The Paramount statement credited Berman with the fruition of film projects "Nacho Libre,""Dreamgirls," and "World Trade Center."
In the studio's statement, Berman said she was grateful "for the chance to help bring great films to life and look forward to new professional opportunities ahead."
Both Berman and Grey come from the television sector of entertainment.
Prior to Paramount, Berman had served as president of entertainment for the Fox Broadcasting Co. for five years.
Paramount is a unit of Viacom Inc., which also owns CBS, MTV and other media outlets.
Your Talkback on this Story