Company Town : Restructuring at Paramount in High Gear

The revamping of some Paramount Pictures operations have entered the fast-forward stage, a trend that is likely to continue under budget-cutting Viacom Entertainment Group Chairman Jonathan Dolgen.

The studio disclosed Monday that its home video and pay television operations have been restructured. Video division President Robert Klingensmith, a longtime associate of former Paramount Communications Chairman Martin Davis, is departing after about 20 years at the company, saying he is “anxious to join the ride” on the “new information highway.” Also leaving is Executive Vice President Tim Clott, who helped pioneer various ancillary markets for the studio.

In a separate major departure, Robert Cohen, who headed legal affairs for Paramount’s MotionPicture Group, is leaving to join 20th Century Fox as executive vice president of business and legal affairs.

In Paramount’s video unit, former domestic video chief Eric Doctorow, who sources said has in effect been running the day-to-day home video operation for some time, was named president of worldwide video and will take on additional duties such as overseeing Paramount’s 50%-owned international video venture with MCA Inc.

Executive Vice President Jack Waterman was promoted to president of worldwide pay television and will continue to oversee business affairs and finance at the video unit. Paramount observers see the restructuring as part of larger efforts by Dolgen to trim expenses by eliminating management layers and consolidating duties among executives.

* Fox Broadcasting Co. has promoted Larry Jacobson to executive vice president and chief financial officer.

* Brian E. Becker, vice chairman of concert and stage promoter Pace Entertainment, has taken on the additional title of chief executive.

* A&M; Records named Jeff Zolotorofe vice president of royalties.

* Hard Rock Cafe International has named Roger Fishman vice president of marketing and sales.