Sam Register leaving post as president of Warner Bros Animation

Sam Register

Longtime Warner Bros executive Sam Register is exiting his role as president of Warner Bros Animation, Cartoon Network Studios and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe.

The exec, who has led Warner Bros Animation since 2008, is departing as his contract expires at the end of this month.

Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros Television Group and Warner Bros Discovery’s US networks division, said in an internal memo that Register and the company had “mutually agreed” not to extend his contract.

“It’s with mixed emotions that I announce the studio and our head of animation, Sam Register, have mutually agreed not to renew his contract,” wrote Dungey, who described the exec as a “great talent.”

In her note, Dungey acknowledged Register’s departure would come as a “surprise” for employees. The studio will seek a replacement for the veteran executive, said Dungey, who said the existing team will continue to lead their respective divisions.

Matt Matzkin will remain as head of business operations, as will the creative department heads: Jay Bastian (current series), Jason DeMarco (anime and action series), Audrey Diehl (kids and family), Sarah Fell (Hanna-Barbera Studios, UK), Peter Girardi (alternative programming and adult) and Sammy Perlmutter (longform and specials).

Register began his animation career at Cartoon Network in 1994. In addition to leading Warner Bros Animation for 18 years, he added oversight of Cartoon Network Studios in 2020 and became co-head of Hanna-Barbera in 2021.

In a note shared by Dungey, Register said he was excited to explore possibilities as he starts a new chapter.

“It’s time for me to move onto the next chapter in my life, and I’m grateful to have Channing’s support as I exit Warner Bros Animation,” he said. “It’s been an amazing ride and I want to extend my sincere thanks to all the great people I’ve worked with – we’ve built some incredible things together. I wish you all the best moving forward, and I’m excited to explore all the possibilities in my future.”