Raimo Kouyate Leaving as Sony Animation Exec

Sony Pictures Animation production president Michelle Raimo Kouyate is stepping down from her post to take on a first-look producing deal for both live-action and animated projects with the studio.

Under Raimo Kouyate, SPA had successes with Hotel Transylvania, The Smurfs 2 and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. Hotel Transylvania 2 is due for release Sept. 25.

Raimo Kouyate will first take on a producer role with the SPA feature Medusa, which is being developed by Lauren Faust.

Kouyate joined SPA in 2010 and previously held development and production roles at DreamWorks Animation, Miramax Films and Paramount Pictures.