Ramsey Naito Departs Paramount Animation
Ramsey Naito has announced her departure from her role as president of Paramount Animation. In a heartfelt message to her team, she expressed appreciation for the talented individuals she worked with. Naito, who has been with the company for over eight years, played a significant role in revitalizing various animation franchises.
Transition at Paramount Animation
Naito’s exit comes shortly after Paramount’s merger with Skydance. This merger has led to substantial changes within the organization, including executive shifts and a company-wide workforce reduction. David Ellison, the newly appointed chairman and CEO, disclosed plans to cut approximately 2,000 jobs in the U.S. and additional positions internationally.
Reason for Job Cuts
Ellison addressed the motivations behind these staffing changes in a memo to employees. He highlighted that they aim to eliminate redundancies and align roles with the studio’s evolving objectives. These adjustments are deemed essential for positioning Paramount for future growth and success.
Ramsey Naito’s Career Highlights
Naito started her professional journey at Nickelodeon and returned in 2018. She rose to the position of president of Paramount Animation in 2021, leading several successful projects. During her tenure, she revitalized beloved franchises such as:
- Smurfs
- Transformers
- PAW Patrol
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- SpongeBob SquarePants
Prior to leading Paramount Animation, Naito was the head of Nickelodeon Animation, overseeing content across multiple formats, including television movies and theatrical releases. She was instrumental in the successful relaunch of classic characters and the development of new original content targeted at today’s audiences.
Gratitude and Future Aspirations
In her farewell message, Naito expressed pride in her team’s achievements and the collaborative spirit that characterized their projects. She thanked the leadership team, including Paramount Pictures co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, for their support and mentorship throughout her career.
Goldberg and Greenstein acknowledged Naito’s contributions, calling her an “incredible partner and leader” whose influence will be felt for years to come. As Naito embarks on a new chapter, she leaves behind a legacy of creativity and dedication at Paramount Animation.
