Sam Register Exits Warner Bros. Animation After 18-Year Tenure
Sam Register is leaving his position as president of Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, with his contract set to expire next week. The decision was described as mutual between Register and Warner Bros. Television Group CEO Channing Dungey. Register oversaw popular series like 'Teen Titans Go!' and 'Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated' during his leadership.
Register's departure marks the end of an 18-year leadership run that began when he joined Cartoon Network in the late 1990s to help launch its website. He later executive produced numerous flagship series, including "Ben 10," "The Looney Tunes Show," and "Teen Titans," with his influence even extending into comics—a "Teen Titans" character bears his name.
His portfolio expanded significantly in recent years, absorbing Cartoon Network Studios in 2020 and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe in 2021. During the transition, Dungey confirmed that Matt Matzkin will continue overseeing business operations while six creative department heads—covering current series, anime, kids and family, UK productions, adult programming, and long-form specials—will manage their respective divisions until a replacement is found.
This leadership change could ripple through the animation industry, as Register oversaw beloved franchises that shaped childhoods for nearly two decades. Fans may see shifts in creative direction or production priorities at these studios, potentially affecting the tone and volume of upcoming animated content. Industry professionals may also watch closely, as such transitions often signal broader strategic realignments within major entertainment conglomerates, possibly influencing job security and project greenlighting for animation workers.