Suzanna Makkos
WarnerMedia is unifying its adult animation under Suzanna Makkos.
The former Fox comedy exec who currently serves as exec vp comedy and adult animation for HBO Max is adding oversight of WarnerMedia's niche cable network Adult Swim to her purview.
Makkos, in the newly created role, will continue to report to head of originals at HBO Max Sarah Aubrey and to Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen. Adult Swim's development team, overseen by Walter Newman, will now report to Makkos. The move is the latest consolidation efforts put in place at WarnerMedia as the company, like others, looks to create unified development teams that can cover multiple brands.
"The adult animation boom is just starting, and by aligning our strengths and organizing as one, unified, best in class development team we are creating an unmatched, multiplatform destination for both creators and fans," said Aubrey. "Adult Swim has created an iconoclastic adult animation brand, and that identity will not only be preserved, it will now be further fueled by HBO Max and Suzanna's talented development leadership."
Makkos joined WarnerMedia in mid-2019 after two decades at Fox where she oversaw development of animated hit Bob's Burgers as well as Bordertown, The Great North and Son of Zorn, among others, as exec vp comedy development at the broadcast network. Since arriving at WarnerMedia, Makkos has overseen the development of adult animated series including Scooby-Doo spinoff Velma, the Clone High reboot, Fired on Mars, Close Enough, DC Universe import Harley Quinn, the upcoming The Prince, and the reboot of former Adult Swim favorite The Boondocks, among others. Makkos takes over an Adult Swim programming slate that is led by veteran hits Rick and Morty and Robot Chicken.
"It is a true honor to become a steward of this cherished brand. I have long admired Adult Swim's dedication to animation's potential for storytelling and to creating truly original content that puts the fans first," said Makkos. "I am excited to work with Walter and his talented team as we enter the next chapter!"
For his part, Ouweleen was officially named president of Adult Swim in April 2020 after the onetime marketing chief served as interim head of Warners' kids, young adults and classics division, which included oversight of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network and Boomerang. Ouweleen, one of the founders of Adult Swim, had held the interim post since November, when 15-year WarnerMedia staffer Christina Miller announced her departure. She previously oversaw all three brands as well as Turner Classic Movies. He reports jointly to Warner Bros. CEO Ann Sarnoff and WarnerMedia president of global kids, young adults and classics Tom Ascheim.
WarnerMedia, like other media giants, has reshaped its executive ranks over the past year in a bid to both prioritize streaming and share resources. Casey Bloys, for example, oversees both HBO Max and premium cable network HBO.