Paramount Global Rebrands as ‘KY’ – Begins Nasdaq Trading Thursday Amid Leadership Shift

HOLLYWOOD, CA – Paramount Global is undergoing a notable transformation, rebranding as “KY” and commencing trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market this Thursday. The move follows the completion of its merger with Skydance Media, signaling a new era for the entertainment giant.

Chairman & CEO David Ellison heralded the change, stating the company’s vision is to “honor extraordinary storytelling while modernizing how we make and deliver content to support the world’s top creative talent, enhance experiences for audiences worldwide, and create lasting value for our shareholders.”

The restructuring brings notable leadership changes. Ramsey Naito will continue as president of paramount Animation, overseeing feature animation, including Nickelodeon‘s film projects. She will transition away from the television animation side of the business, a role she assumed expanded responsibilities for in 2021 after initial elevation in 2020.

Outgoing Co-CEO Brian Robbins, who previously oversaw both Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, will be replaced by a dual leadership structure. Dana Goldberg & Josh Goldstein will co-chair Paramount Pictures, while George Cheeks will lead TV media, encompassing Nickelodeon and the newly formed Nickelodeon TV Studios.

Though, the future leadership of Nickelodeon’s television and animation divisions remains unclear. The network is home to hugely popular franchises like SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Rugrats.

Paramount Animation has recently enjoyed box office success with titles such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem ($182M worldwide, over $1B in retail sales), PAW Patrol: The Movie & The Mighty movie ($144.3M & $205.1M respectively),Transformers One ($129.7M), and this summer’s Smurfs ($90M and counting).

Looking ahead, Paramount boasts a robust slate including The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (Dec. 19), PAW Patrol: the Dino Movie (July 24, 2026), The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender (Oct. 9, 2026), The Angry Birds Movie 3 (Jan. 29, 2027), and Teenage Mutant ninja turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2 (Sept.17, 2027).The rebranding and merger mark a pivotal moment for the company as it navigates the evolving entertainment landscape.

[Source: Deadline]

How does Ramsey Naito’s continued leadership impact ongoing animation projects at Paramount?

Ramsey Naito to Stay at Paramount Animation Amid Skydance Acquisition

Leadership Continuity at Paramount Animation

Recent developments surrounding the Skydance Media acquisition of a majority stake in Paramount Global have sparked questions about the future leadership of Paramount Animation.Though, sources confirm that Ramsey Naito, President of Paramount Animation, will remain in her role following the completion of the deal. This news provides crucial stability for the animation studio as it navigates this notable transition. The Skydance deal, valued at over $8 billion, aims to bolster Paramount’s streaming ambitions and film production capabilities.

Naito’s Role and Impact on Paramount Animation

ramsey Naito has been instrumental in revitalizing paramount Animation since taking the helm in 2021. Her leadership has focused on developing a robust slate of original animated films and expanding the studio’s creative talent pool.

Key Projects Under naito’s Leadership:

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023) – A box office success demonstrating the studio’s ability to leverage established franchises.

teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023) – A critically acclaimed and commercially triumphant reboot, showcasing a fresh animation style.

Upcoming slate including The Smurfs and other original animated features.

Strategic Focus: Naito’s strategy centers on a blend of franchise extensions and innovative original content, appealing to both family audiences and broader demographics.This approach has been key to Paramount Animation’s recent resurgence.

Stability for Ongoing Projects: naito’s continued presence ensures continuity for projects already in development,minimizing disruption and delays.

Maintaining Creative Vision: Her artistic vision and commitment to quality will be essential in shaping the future direction of the studio.

Industry Confidence: Naito’s retention signals to the industry that Paramount remains committed to animation and is poised for continued growth.

Impact on the Animation Industry Landscape

The Skydance-Paramount deal, coupled with Naito’s continued leadership, has broader implications for the animation industry. It highlights the growing importance of animation as a key driver of revenue and audience engagement.

Key Trends in Animation

Rise of Original Animated Films: Studios are increasingly investing in original animated concepts alongside franchise extensions.

Hybrid Animation Styles: Experimentation with different animation techniques, such as the visually distinctive style of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: mutant Mayhem, is gaining traction.

* Streaming Dominance: Streaming platforms are becoming increasingly important distribution channels for animated content. Paramount+ will likely benefit from the increased investment in animation.

Looking ahead: Paramount Animation’s Future

With Ramsey Naito at the helm and the backing of Skydance, Paramount Animation is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality animated content. The studio’s upcoming slate of films promises to deliver a diverse range of stories and experiences to audiences worldwide. The focus remains on building a enduring and innovative animation studio capable of competing with industry giants like Disney and dreamworks Animation.