History of Shari Redstone in Timeline

Shari Redstone is a prominent American businesswoman and media executive. As the non-executive chairwoman of Paramount Global and chairwoman, president, and CEO of National Amusements, she wields significant influence in the entertainment industry. Through National Amusements, Redstone and her family maintain majority voting control over Paramount Global and its extensive portfolio of media assets, including CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Showtime Networks, BET, and Paramount Pictures. She previously served as Vice Chair of both CBS Corporation and Viacom, solidifying her position as a key figure in the media landscape.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 14, 1954: Shari Redstone Born

On April 14, 1954, Shari Ellin Redstone was born. She is an American heiress, businesswoman, and media executive.

Others born on this day/year

1975: Graduated from Tufts University

In 1975, Shari Redstone graduated with a bachelor's degree from Tufts University.

1978: Received J.D. Degree

In 1978, Shari Redstone received her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Boston University School of Law.

1980: Received LL.M. Degree

In 1980, Shari Redstone received her LL.M. degree from Boston University School of Law.

1999: President of National Amusements

Since 1999, Shari Redstone has been the president of National Amusements, one of the top ten movie exhibitors in the United States.

2007: Public Feud with Father

In 2007, Shari Redstone and her father, Sumner Redstone, had a public feud over corporate governance and the future of the cinema chain.

2010: Formation of Rising Star Media

In 2010, Shari Redstone and her partners purchased the theaters they had built and formed Rising Star Media, with her as chairman.

2011: Sale of Rising Star Media

In 2011, Shari Redstone and her partners sold Rising Star Media to Russian theater operator Cinema Park.

2011: Co-founded Advancit Capital LLC

In 2011, Shari Redstone became co-founder and managing partner of Advancit Capital LLC, an investment platform focusing on early stage in media, entertainment, and technology.

February 3, 2016: Sumner Redstone Resigns as CBS Executive Chairman

On February 3, 2016, Sumner Redstone resigned as CBS executive chairman amid questions about his mental competency. Shari Redstone declined the offered position of non-executive chair, and Les Moonves was appointed as chairman.

February 2016: Philippe Dauman Named Viacom Chairman

In February 2016, Viacom's board of directors, against Shari Redstone's wishes, named Philippe Dauman, already the CEO and president, as the chairman, replacing Sumner Redstone.

2017: MovieTickets.com Sold

In 2017, MovieTickets.com, where Shari Redstone was co-chairman, was sold to Fandango Media, marking a significant business transaction.

January 2018: Joined Board of Directors

As of January 2018, Shari Redstone is a member of the board of directors at Combined Jewish Philanthropies and the board of trustees at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

January 2018: Pushes for CBS and Viacom Merger

In January 2018, The Wall Street Journal reported that Shari Redstone was pushing for CBS to merge with Viacom, while also gathering names for new board members at CBS.

August 2019: Chair of ViacomCBS

In August 2019, the Associated Press reported that Shari Redstone had become the chair of the board for the reuniting of CBS and Viacom as ViacomCBS, which is now known as Paramount Global.

May 2020: Named as Defendant in Lawsuit

In May 2020, Shari Redstone was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by the Bucks County Retirement Fund and the International Union of Operating Engineers, concerning the perceived "destruction of value" caused by the CBS and Viacom merger.

2020: Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2020, Shari Redstone was named on Time's list of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing her impact in the media industry.

January 2021: Shareholders Allowed to Sue Over Merger

In January 2021, a Delaware judge ruled that former CBS shareholders could sue Shari Redstone for allegedly pressuring the company to enter the merger with Viacom.

2022: Redstone Sues Insurers

In 2022, Shari Redstone and Viacom sued a group of insurers for refusing to cover legal bills incurred due to the court battle over the CBS/Viacom merger.

2023: Ranked in Forbes List of World's 100 Most Powerful Women

In 2023, Shari Redstone ranked 37th in Forbes list of "World's 100 most powerful women", acknowledging her influence and power in the business world.

July 2024: Agreement to Sell Controlling Interest in Paramount Global

In July 2024, it was announced that Shari Redstone would sell her family's "controlling" interest in Paramount Global to independent film studio Skydance Media, founded by film producer David Ellison, in a merger agreement valuing the corporation at approximately $28 billion.

October 2024: Defended CBS Mornings Anchor

In October 2024, Shari Redstone defended CBS Mornings anchor Tony Dokoupil over an interview with pro-Palestinian author Ta-Nehisi Coates about his book "The Message".