There aren’t many rules when it comes to selling commercials , but among traditional media companies, one has long been honored: Before the new head of a sales division comes to work, the predecessor usually leaves.

Paramount Skydance is taking a different tack.

The company, led by entrepreneur David Ellison, last week unveiled an unorthodox new structure for its ad sales operations. Jay Askinasi ( above, pictured , left ), formerly a senior sales executive at Roku, will arrive November 3 as Paramount’s new chief revenue officer , taking responsibility for ad sales. In a counter-intuitive twist, John Halley ( above, pictured, right ), the current leader of the company’s ad sales, is expected to stay — though whether it’s for a short-term stint or a longer-term role could no

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