Paramount Animation President Ramsey Naito Steps Down Amid Major Organizational Changes
As Paramount undergoes significant restructuring under the leadership of new CEO David Ellison, Ramsey Naito, President of Paramount Animation, has announced her departure from the company. Naito previously led Nickelodeon Animation, where she made history by launching the network’s biggest animation slate in over four decades, overseeing more than 70 projects at the Nickelodeon Animation Studio, and collaborating with top talent and creators.
In September 2021, Naito took on the additional role of President of Paramount Animation, succeeding Mireille Soria, who previously managed the animation division. During her tenure, Naito played a crucial role in the success of various global television and film franchises, including PAW Patrol: The Movie, and the expansion of the SpongeBob SquarePants universe with projects like The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run and two original spinoffs: Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years and The Patrick Star Show. She also contributed to the success of Baby Shark, Blue’s Clues & You!, Santiago of the Seas, The Loud House Movie, and the revival of Rugrats.
Under her leadership, the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise saw a resurgence with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which grossed nearly $182 million globally and generated $1 billion in retail sales for the brand. While there were ambitious plans for Transformers One, aimed at younger audiences, it fell short with a global box office of $129 million. Additionally, the PAW Patrol films released in 2021 and 2023 collectively earned around $350 million, with a third installment, Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, set to premiere on August 14, 2024.
Naito’s division is also working on several upcoming projects, including The Last Airbender: Legend of Aang, scheduled for release on October 9, 2026, The Angry Birds Movie 3 on December 23, 2026, and another Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated feature slated for September 17, 2027. Earlier in August, there were discussions about Naito remaining with Paramount Animation post-merger. However, Skydance Animation, led by John Lasseter and Holly Edwards, has remained separate due to its commitment to a Netflix output deal.
As part of the significant changes at Paramount, which aims to achieve $2 billion in savings, Naito is among several high-profile executives who have exited the company, including President of Worldwide Music Randy Spendlove and other key figures in production and marketing.
In her farewell message to the staff, Naito expressed her gratitude and pride in the incredible work accomplished by her team over the past eight years. “Leading this talented group of storytellers and artists has been one of the greatest joys of my career. I am proud of what we’ve built together, from beloved characters to a new slate of originals for today’s generation,” she wrote.
Naito concluded her note by thanking the leadership team and expressing her ongoing support for her colleagues as they continue to elevate Paramount Animation.
As the company moves forward, all eyes will be on how the new leadership under David Ellison shapes the future of Paramount Animation and its iconic franchises.
