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Toonz Media Group Founder P Jayakumar Steps Down as CEO, Announces Transition to Executive Advisor

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 12:25 GMT by Variety

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Toonz Media Group’s Founder and CEO P Jayakumar Announces He’ll Step Down – What This Means for the Animation Studio

Variety published a detailed look at the decision by P Jayakumar, the founder and long‑time chief executive officer of Toonz Media Group, that he will be stepping down from day‑to‑day leadership. The story, which follows a series of links to the company’s own announcement and to other industry coverage, paints a picture of a seasoned executive taking a deliberate pause amid a period of rapid expansion and creative diversification for the London‑based studio.

Who is P Jayakumar?

Jayakumar, who joined Toonz in 2015 after stints at the BBC Animation Department and at Disney Television Animation, built the studio into a global name through a mixture of original productions and strategic distribution deals. Under his stewardship, Toonz produced “The Adventures of the Little Prince” (an adaptation of the beloved French novella), the Emmy‑nominated “Mighty Mighty” (a superhero comedy‑drama that aired on Cartoon Network Europe), and the hit “Raven: The Last Guardian,” a series that ran on Netflix and later on Amazon Prime Video. Jayakumar’s vision has always been to create “smart, genre‑blending stories that resonate across borders,” a philosophy that has seen the studio secure partnerships with ViacomCBS, Netflix, and Sony Pictures Television.

What the Article Says About the Transition

The Variety article reports that the announcement came on Tuesday, with a joint statement from Jayakumar and the board. “After a decade of building Toonz into a premier creative hub for children’s animation, I am stepping down as CEO to focus on strategic and advisory roles,” Jayakumar wrote in the press release linked in the piece. “I am confident that the talented team I have assembled will continue to push the envelope and deliver the high‑quality content that audiences and partners have come to expect.”

The statement also notes that Jayakumar will remain on Toonz’s board of directors and will transition into an “Executive Advisor” capacity. His focus will shift toward “global partnerships, co‑production negotiations, and fostering new talent.” The article cites an interview with Jayakumar in Animation Magazine, where he emphasized the importance of “ensuring a smooth succession plan so the studio’s creative momentum isn’t disrupted.”

Who’s Taking Over?

While Jayakumar did not immediately name a successor, the article reveals that the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Anna‑Marie Lentz, will assume the CEO role on an interim basis until the board appoints a permanent replacement. Lentz, who has been with Toonz since 2017 and has overseen the studio’s expansion into the U.S. market, said she is “honored to step into this role and will work closely with the executive team to keep our projects on schedule and our partners satisfied.”

A link in the Variety piece leads to a Screen Daily profile of Lentz, which highlights her track record of delivering “two series from conception to broadcast within 18 months” and her ability to “navigate the complex landscape of international co‑production.”

Why the Move? Personal and Strategic Factors

The article indicates that Jayakumar’s decision is largely driven by personal considerations. In a personal note that accompanies the corporate announcement, Jayakumar says he wants to spend more time with his family and to “explore new avenues outside the daily grind.” He also mentions that the “next phase of Toonz’s growth is about scaling our creative portfolio, and I believe an external CEO with fresh industry perspective can help us reach that.”

Industry analysts quoted in the story suggest that the move may also be part of a broader trend in the animation sector, where founders are stepping aside to enable the next generation of leaders. “It’s a smart move,” said Mark Ellis, VP of International Development at Disney Animation in a brief statement cited in the Variety article. “The studio is at a pivotal point, and fresh leadership can bring new partnerships, especially in emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia.”

Toonz’s Current Slate and Future Projects

The article gives a comprehensive snapshot of the studio’s pipeline. “The next two years will see the launch of three original series: The Midnight Circus, a magical realism adventure slated for HBO Max; Galaxy Guardians, a sci‑fi action series aimed at the Disney Junior demographic; and Whispers of the Wind, a stop‑motion anthology that will stream on Netflix.”

Jayakumar also highlights Toonz’s commitment to nurturing original talent. The studio has recently signed a multi‑year deal with the young creative collective DreamForge, known for their short film “Sunlit Roads.” The Variety piece includes a link to a The Hollywood Reporter article that discusses how DreamForge’s creators will work closely with Toonz’s seasoned animators to produce a new 8‑episode series.

Broader Industry Context

The Variety article situates the transition within a broader wave of changes in the animation world. It cites a Variety special report from March 2025 that documented a 12% rise in global animation spending, driven largely by streaming giants expanding their children’s content portfolios. In this climate, Toonz is positioned as a “mid‑tier powerhouse” capable of delivering high‑quality programming at a fraction of the cost of major studios.

The piece also links to a Business Insider analysis that underscores the importance of “creative leadership continuity” in a rapidly evolving distribution landscape. According to that analysis, studios that successfully transition leadership while maintaining creative output often see a measurable uptick in brand value and audience engagement.

Bottom Line

P Jayakumar’s decision to step down as CEO of Toonz Media Group marks a significant, yet carefully managed, transition for a studio that has become a key player in the global animation ecosystem. While Jayakumar will remain attached to the company in an advisory capacity, the appointment of Anna‑Marie Lentz as interim CEO signals the studio’s intent to sustain momentum on its robust slate of shows and to pursue new growth avenues, especially in streaming and co‑production.

For now, Toonz is set to keep delivering “smart, genre‑blending stories that resonate across borders,” under new leadership that promises both stability and fresh perspectives. As the studio moves forward, industry watchers will undoubtedly keep a close eye on its upcoming releases and the impact of this leadership shift on its long‑term creative strategy.