Viacom on Thursday said that top Hollywood talent manager Brad Grey will join the media giant as chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures. Mr. Grey will start his new job by March 1.

In the newly broadened role, Mr. Grey will oversee virtually all aspects of film development and production, as well as business operations. He will report to Viacom co-President and Chief Operating Officer Tom Freston and will be based in Los Angeles. Mr. Grey replaces Sherry Lansing, who announced in November that she is retiring.

Mr. Grey, whose television credits include producing series including “The Sopranos,” “Just Shoot Me” and “NewsRadio,” will step down as chairman of Brillstein-Grey Entertainment.