Sony Pictures Animation Gets New President of Production

CULVER CITY: Michelle Raimo-Kouyate has been named president of production for Sony Pictures Animation, joining from DreamWorks Animation.

At DreamWorks, Raimo-Kouyate was serving as an executive producer on the upcoming Shrek spinoff Puss in Boots. In the coming weeks, Raimo-Kouyate will work closely with SPA’s current president of production, Hannah Minghella, as Minghella transitions to her new role at Columbia Pictures as president of production.

"Michelle is an extraordinarily talented executive who loves both the art and artistry of animation and understands that superior storytelling must always come first," said Bob Osher, the president of digital productions for Sony Pictures Entertainment. "Michelle and I worked together for many years at Miramax. She earns the respect of her peers through her leadership and is someone who candidly speaks her mind. Because of her extensive experience in both live action and animation, she is the perfect choice for this position, especially as we produce both all-CG features and hybrid productions like The Smurfs. We have an outstanding slate in place at Sony Pictures Animation and know she will provide great creative direction as we continue to grow and nurture the best CGI artists and storytellers in the business."

Raimo-Kouyate commented, "I am so thankful to Bob, as well as Michael Lynton and Amy Pascal for this exciting opportunity. Sony Pictures Animation is home to some of the best creative and innovative minds in the business and I am looking forward to working alongside them to continue the tradition of great storytelling for which Sony is so well known. I am especially thrilled to be working once again with Bob. "