Top producer named as new CEO of Kilkenny's Cartoon Saloon

Cartoon Saloon, the five-time Academy Award nominated animation studio behind some of the most celebrated animated films of the past two decades, is proud to announce the appointment of Anthony Leo as Chief Executive Officer.

An accomplished producer with a distinguished career in animation and family entertainment,
Anthony Leo brings decades of leadership experience across film and television. He was nominated for an Academy Award® as a Producer on the critically-acclaimed animated feature The Breadwinner which was co-produced with Cartoon Saloon, Melusine Studios and Canada’s Aircraft Pictures – the company Leo co-founded with Andrew Rosen.

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Recent producing credits include the Netflix Top 10 series Geek Girl, the feature film Youngblood which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival ahead of its theatrical release across North America and the upcoming animated feature film Julián – also co-produced by Cartoon Saloon, Melusine Studios, Aircraft Pictures and Sun Creature.

Leo steps in to replace outgoing Managing Director Gerry Shirren who retired at the end of 2025
after twelve years with the company. In his new role as CEO, Leo will oversee the strategic direction and continued growth of Cartoon Saloon - working alongside co-founders Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey and Paul Young to guide its development across feature films, television series, and emerging platforms while preserving the studio’s distinctive creative voice.

Founded in 1999, Cartoon Saloon has earned international acclaim for its visually rich, culturally resonant storytelling. The studio remains a leading force in independent animation worldwide with award-winning films that include The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, The Breadwinner, Wolfwalkers and most recently My Father's Dragon. Their preschool series Puffin Rock, co- produced with Dog Ears and starring the voice talents of Chris O’Dowd, is now in its third season and continues to scale in popularity globally across multiple platforms.

“Anthony’s deep understanding of production, international co-financing, and global distribution uniquely equips him to guide Cartoon Saloon into its next phase of growth and innovation. His passion for artist-driven storytelling aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Moore.

“We thank Gerry for his dedication to our artists, for the massive positive impact he’s had on our
organisation, and wish him every happiness upon his retirement.”

Leo added, “Having collaborated with Nora, Tomm, Paul and Gerry for over a decade, I’m honoured to join this remarkable company at such an important moment in its journey. We have an extraordinary opportunity to build a sustainable future that ensures audiences everywhere will continue to discover and enjoy Cartoon Saloon’s bold, creator-driven films and series for generations to come.”

Leo remains Chairman of the Board for Aircraft Pictures and is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.