The former Spin Master and Nickelodeon executive takes over following Ramsey Naito’s exit: will report to Paramount Pictures co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein.
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| New Paramount Animation president Jennifer Dodge. Image courtesy of Jennifer Dodge. |
Paramount Pictures has announced that longtime industry executive Jennifer Dodge has been named President of Paramount Animation, reporting to Paramount Pictures Co-Chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein. In her new role, starting Monday, January 5th, Dodge will oversee all operations of the animation group, from development through release.
Dodge takes over for Ramsey Naito, who was originally expected to stay on at Paramount after David Ellison’s takeover of the company and appointment as CEO. However, she was one of 1,000 employees who exited the last week of October as part of the studio’s cost-cutting moves. She had been in the role since 2021.
Dodge brings with her an accomplished background in franchise building, production, and creative development that spans more than two decades in children’s and family entertainment. Most recently, she served as President of Spin Master Entertainment and Consumer Products, where she oversaw the company’s global entertainment and franchise businesses, including content creation, production, distribution, and consumer products. During her tenure, she spearheaded the development and expansion of well-known brands such as PAW Patrol and Unicorn Academy, serving as executive producer across all Spin Master series and as producer on Spin Master, Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies’ the PAW Patrol feature films, the first two of which earned a combined nearly $350M at the worldwide box, and with a third installment, PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie slated for 2026.
Previously, Dodge held leadership roles at Nickelodeon, where she served as Senior Vice President of Development for Nickelodeon Preschool, developing original content and nurturing emerging creative talent. Her work has been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the “Most Influential Women in International Film,” and she has been featured in Variety’s Family Entertainment Impact Report for her contributions to the animation and children’s media landscape.
Paramount Pictures Co-Chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein said, “Jennifer is an exceptional creative executive and producer with a proven track record of building franchises that connect with global audiences. 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 said, “I’ve always believed in the power of animation to inspire, entertain, and unite audiences of all ages. Paramount has a rich legacy of bringing bold, imaginative stories to life, and I’m honored to join Dana, Josh, and the entire team as we expand that vision and create the next generation of unforgettable animated films.”
Dodge’s appointment comes at a time of sweeping change for Paramount, post-Skydance merger, with thousands laid off. Under the new leadership of David Ellison, the studio has recently committed to releasing at least 15 films in 2026, while plotting a “significant expansion” of its TV output.
Under Dodge’s leadership, Paramount Animation plans to continue expanding its pipeline of animated features; upcoming titles include The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, releasing December 19th; in 2026, PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender; and in 2027, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2.
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