Paramount Skydance appoints animation chief

Paramount has hired a former Nickelodeon exec to oversee its animation output.

Jennifer Dodge becomes president of Paramount Animation, with oversight across the development and production process.

She reports into Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, Paramount Pictures’ co-chairs, and replaces the outgoing Ramsey Naito, whose exit was revealed among a raft of departures at the start of the month.

Dodge was most recently president of Spin Master Entertainment, working to develop brands including Paramount’s Paw Patrol and Unicorn Academy, and before that was senior vice president of development at Nickelodeon.

“Jennifer is an exceptional creative executive and producer with a proven track record of building franchises that connect with global audiences,” said Goldberg and Greenstein.

“Her deep understanding of storytelling, world-building, and brand development make her the ideal leader to shape the next era of Paramount Animation. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

Dodge added: “Paramount has a rich legacy of bringing bold, imaginative stories to life, and I’m honoured to join Dana, Josh, and the entire team as we expand that vision and create the next generation of unforgettable animated films.”