Paramount Taps Ted Lehman To Head Public Policy And Government Affairs

Lehman will lead the company's D.C. office and policy efforts.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:23pm

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Paramount has named Ted Lehman as its new senior vice president and head of U.S. public policy and government affairs. Lehman will lead Paramount's D.C. office, direct all aspects of the company's U.S. public policy, and serve as a voice with U.S. lawmakers, regulators, and other stakeholders. He joins Paramount after the departure of the previous head of global public policy and government relations.

Why it matters

Paramount's government relations and lobbying efforts are crucial for navigating the complex political and regulatory landscape in Washington, D.C. as the company seeks to advance its business interests. Lehman's appointment signals the company's commitment to having a strong presence and influence in the nation's capital.

The details

Lehman previously worked at Todd Strategy Group as a partner, advising media and technology clients. He has extensive experience in government, having served as chief of staff to Senator Thom Tillis, chief counsel on nominations for former Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Chuck Grassley, and counsel to the Judiciary Committee. Lehman also clerked for the chief judge of the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.

  • Lehman will start in his new role on Monday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Ted Lehman

Lehman is the new senior vice president and head of U.S. public policy and government affairs at Paramount.

Makan Delrahim

Delrahim is the chief legal officer at Paramount, and he will oversee Lehman and the company's government relations and lobbying team.

DeDe Lea

Lea was the previous head of global public policy and government relations at Paramount.

Thom Tillis

Tillis is a Republican senator from South Carolina, and Lehman previously served as his chief of staff.

Chuck Grassley

Grassley is a Republican senator from Iowa, and Lehman previously served as chief counsel on nominations for Grassley when he was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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What they’re saying

“His well-earned reputation stems from adopting a strategic and creative approach to complex problems – and always with professionalism, respect and integrity.”

— Makan Delrahim, Chief Legal Officer, Paramount (Deadline)

The takeaway

Paramount's appointment of Ted Lehman as its new head of public policy and government affairs underscores the company's commitment to having a strong presence and influence in Washington, D.C. as it navigates the complex political and regulatory landscape.