Paramount Animation President Exits as New CEO Reshapes Leadership

Ramsey Naito is leaving her role as President of Paramount Animation. Her departure was announced in an internal memo on Wednesday. This move is part of a major leadership shakeup under new CEO David Ellison.

The exit follows the recent completion of the Skydance-Paramount merger. Ellison has begun implementing significant organizational changes across the studio. According to Reuters, these changes include widespread layoffs to address redundancies.

Naito’s Legacy and Franchise Leadership

Naito oversaw some of Paramount’s most valuable animated properties. She was responsible for the expansion of franchises like PAW Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants. Her work also included Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Smurfs.

Before leading Paramount Animation, she was the head of Nickelodeon Animation. She spent over eight years building the studio’s animation slate. Her tenure saw the revival of classic characters and the creation of new original content.

Broader Studio Restructuring Underway

CEO David Ellison confirmed the strategic shifts in a staff memo. He stated the company is phasing out roles that no longer align with new priorities. The goal is to create a structure focused on future growth.

The impact is being felt across multiple departments. The animation division is a key area undergoing evaluation. These executive changes signal a new direction for Paramount’s content strategy.

The departure of the Paramount Animation president marks a pivotal moment for the studio’s future. Her exit underscores a comprehensive restructuring effort. The animation division now faces a new chapter under fresh leadership.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is replacing Ramsey Naito?

Paramount has not yet announced a replacement. An interim leadership structure is expected to be put in place while a search is conducted for a new animation president.

What projects did Naito oversee?

She led the studio’s work on major franchises including *PAW Patrol*, *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles*, and *Transformers*. She also guided the development of new original animated features during her tenure.

Why is this happening now?

The leadership change follows the recent Skydance-Paramount merger finalized in August. New CEO David Ellison is restructuring the company to align with his strategic vision for growth.

Will this affect upcoming animated movies?

It is currently unclear how the leadership transition will impact specific release schedules. Such executive changes often lead to project reevaluations, but most existing commitments are expected to continue.

Are layoffs happening elsewhere at Paramount?

Yes. CEO David Ellison’s memo confirmed layoffs are occurring across the organization. The cuts aim to address redundancies and roles that no longer fit the company’s evolving priorities.

Trusted Sources

The Associated Press, Reuters