Sam Register to leave leadership position at Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe
Sam Register, a prominent figure in the animation industry, is set to depart from Warner Bros. Animation after an extensive tenure that has spanned nearly two decades. As the president of Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, Register’s departure comes as part of a mutual agreement not to renew his contract, as confirmed by Channing Dungey, chair of the Warner Bros. TV Group, in a recent communication to the company staff.
This unexpected transition has incited curiosity among industry watchers, with Dungey noting that a search for Register’s successor is already underway. During this interim period, Matt Matzkin is expected to oversee business operations, while various creative department heads will continue to steer their individual divisions. Those heads include Jay Bastian for current series, Jason DeMarco for anime and action series, and Audrey Diehl for kids and family programming, among others.
Register’s journey with Warner Bros. Animation began in 2007, and he quickly ascended from producer to head of the animation division within a year. His influence further expanded in 2020 when he took on oversight of Cartoon Network Studios as well. Collectively, his career trajectory at Warner Bros. spans over 30 years, a testament to his longstanding commitment to the field.
Previously, Register honed his skills at Cartoon Network, developing numerous successful animated series such as “Chowder,” “Flapjack,” and “Ben 10.” His diverse portfolio also includes significant achievements like launching Cartoon Network’s first website in 1998. At Warner Bros., he has overseen the production of notable shows, including “Animaniacs,” “Harley Quinn,” and “Teen Titans Go!” as well as having played a key role as an executive producer on films like “Teen Titans Go! to the Movies.”
As the organization prepares for the transition, industry stakeholders remain optimistic about the future of Warner Bros. Animation, which continues to innovate with current series such as “Adventure Time: Side Quests” and “Batman: Caped Crusader.” The animation division remains a critical component of Warner Bros.’ overall strategy, with high expectations for its continued success amid these changes.
The move signals the end of an era for Warner Bros. Animation, and while Register expresses gratitude for his time, he is eager to explore new opportunities in his career following this significant chapter. The effects of this leadership shift are yet to be determined as the studio looks ahead to a new direction under fresh management.
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