P. Jayakumar, who has led Toonz Media Group for more than two decades, will step down as chief executive on November 30, marking the end of a transformative era for one of India’s most prominent animation companies.
Jayakumar joined Toonz in its early years and played a central role in expanding the studio from a domestic animation outfit into a multinational player in kids and family entertainment.
Under his direction, the company established a global presence with operations across India, Ireland, Spain, and New Zealand, while producing thousands of hours of animated programming for broadcasters and streaming platforms worldwide.
Reflecting on his departure, Jayakumar described his work at Toonz as “one of the most fulfilling chapters” of his career, noting that the studio’s growth was rooted in the passion of the small team that helped launch it.
He also hinted at plans to begin a new venture focused on creative collaboration within the global entertainment sector, while remaining emotionally connected to Toonz.
To ensure a smooth transition, Jayakumar has been working alongside acting CEO Viswanath Rao and Karthik V. Kumar, recently appointed finance director and board member of Toonz Animation India.
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, Toonz Media Group has built a diverse portfolio across animation, VFX, and digital content aimed at young audiences.
Its current slate includes titles such as New-Gen Nanobot Heroes and Hangry Petz, continuing the company’s focus on youth-driven storytelling.
Jayakumar’s exit ushers in a new leadership phase for Toonz as it navigates a competitive global animation market while maintaining its reputation as one of India’s pioneering creative studios.
