MTV Shakeup: Lauren Ruggiero Exits as SVP Amid Paramount Layoffs!

EXCLUSIVE: Lauren Ruggiero, the SVP of Scripted Series at MTV Entertainment Studios, is set to leave the company following the recent layoffs announced on Tuesday, which affect 3.5% of the workforce at Paramount Global, according to sources from Deadline.

Ruggiero’s career at Paramount spans over ten years. She initially joined the Paramount Network, advancing to VP and later to SVP of Scripted Original Series. She then transitioned to MTV Entertainment Studios, which produces the hit series Yellowstone. Ruggiero played a pivotal role in the production of its initial seasons.

Throughout her tenure, Ruggiero has been a key figure under Keith Cox, who currently serves as President of Scripted Content for MTV Entertainment Studios and Showtime. Her departure raises questions about the future of MTV Entertainment Studios as an independent entity, especially with ongoing discussions about Skydance’s potential acquisition of Paramount, pending regulatory approval.

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Ruggiero is highly regarded in the industry and has been influential in the scripted sector, overseeing development and production of various series at Paramount Network and later at MTVE Studios. Besides Yellowstone, she has contributed to other notable series by Taylor Sheridan, including 1883 and Tulsa King.

Ruggiero is part of a larger group of executives affected by the recent cutbacks at Paramount. This week’s layoffs also impacted the casting department at CBS Studios, leading to the departure of five employees including Deborah Aquila, the EVP and head of casting for streaming series.

“In response to the ongoing declines across the industry and the shifting economic landscape, while also focusing on enhancing our streaming services, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to reorganize our team starting this week,” stated a memo to staff from Paramount co-CEOs George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins regarding the layoffs.