After Years of Fighting, Shari Redstone Stands Alone Atop Empire

Shari Redstone moved decisively to secure her father Sumner’s media empire when infirmity struck the nonagenarian. With his death this week, she’ll have a free hand to lead ViacomCBS Inc. or dismantle it.

Sumner Redstone’s passing at age 97 hands his 80% voting interest in National Amusements Inc. -- the family holding company -- to a trust with seven trustees. Sumner and his ex-wife Phyllis leave their positions atop the trust, and Shari and her son Tyler Korff replace them. Shari, 66, also controls the remaining 20% of National Amusements.

Shari Redstone

Photographer: Martina Albertazzi/Bloomberg

The mogul’s death doesn’t signal a change in ...