Jeff Shultz Takes the Helm as CEO of Radial Entertainment, Overseeing Shout Studios and FilmRise
Jeff Shultz Appointed CEO of Radial Entertainment
Jeff Shultz, a former executive at Paramount, has been named CEO of Radial Entertainment. Shultz played a pivotal role in transforming Pluto TV from a nascent FAST pioneer into a billion-dollar enterprise.
Radial Entertainment was established earlier this year following Oaktree Capital’s acquisition of Filmrise, which was merged with Shout! Studios. Previously, Garson Foos, who led Shout! for over two decades, served as the CEO of Radial. Oaktree has been actively building a substantial film library and identified the potential of combining FilmRise and Shout, which recently acquired Gravitas Ventures.
Foos will transition to the role of Executive Chairman on the Radial Entertainment Board, joining Danny Fisher.
In a statement, Jared Frandle, managing director for Oaktree’s “special situations” strategy, expressed gratitude for Foos’ leadership during the merger: “We are extremely grateful for all of Garson’s efforts in guiding us through the seamless transition of this exciting merger. His leadership from the very beginning of our partnership with Shout and through this pivotal period laid a strong foundation for Radial’s future growth. We are now thrilled to welcome Jeff—a highly seasoned veteran of the streaming industry—to lead Radial into this next chapter.”
Shultz previously served as Chief Business Officer at Pluto TV, which was founded in 2014 and helped shape the FAST marketplace in streaming. After Pluto’s acquisition by Viacom in 2019, he became the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Business Development Officer for Streaming at Paramount. In this role, he oversaw the global direct-to-consumer strategy during the launch of Paramount+. Shultz departed the company in October 2024.
“I’m fortunate to inherit an exceptional team and the legacy of two highly successful brands,” Shultz stated. “I am fully aligned with Garson, Danny, and the Oaktree team on a shared vision to build Radial into one of the most valuable independent players in the global streaming market. At Pluto TV and Paramount, I had a front-row seat to the rapid growth of Shout! and FilmRise. Now combined as Radial, the company is uniquely positioned to capture the massive opportunity in the rapidly evolving media market, leveraging its financial scale, vast and compelling catalog, and expansive and diversified distribution, all amplified by Oaktree’s support. I am honored to lead Radial into this next chapter of growth.”
Variety first reported on Shultz’s new appointment.
