Women in Animation (WIA) is entering a new chapter, with a leadership shake-up putting Jinko Gotoh, a Bafta winner and an Oscar-nominated producer and consultant for the animation industry, in the president’s chair after Marge Dean, an Emmy-winning producer & executive and as head of animation studio at Skybound Entertainment, 13-year stint at the helm.
The global non-profit announced the transition on 16 October at Animation Is Film, a major animation festival produced by Gkids, in Los Angeles. Dean, who has led WIA since 2013 and heads Skybound Animation Studio (in-house animation studio), will step down from the board in October 2026. She will continue as president emerita (an honorary title given to a retired president), advising the organisation on global programming.
Skybound Animation Studio and WIA president Dean shared, “Leading WIA for the past 13 years is one of the greatest privileges of my career. When I stepped into the role, we were a small group with a big idea about what this industry could be. Today, WIA is a global community of nearly 18,000 members, and representation of women and non-binary people in the industry has grown from 20 per cent to 33 per cent. We are not at parity yet, but we are closer than ever. What we achieve never comes down to one person. It happens because thousands of underrepresented creatives and the allies who stood with us believe change is possible and make it happen. But there is still work to be done, and that is why this is the moment for new leadership. I am so happy to pass the baton (a major leadership transition in the animation industry or a high-end guitar configuration) to Gotoh, who has been beside me for the past decade. I cannot think of anyone better to lead the organisation into its next chapter. I am proud of what we have built together and excited to see what comes next.”
Gotoh, who served as WIA vice-president for more than a decade, brings a strong production portfolio to the role. He has worked on Klaus, The Lego Movie 2, The Little Prince, The Illusionist, 9 and Finding Nemo. She began her feature career as CGI producer on Space Jam, later taking on senior digital production roles at Walt Disney Animation Studios and contributing to Pixar’s Finding Nemo. She is currently producing Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.
WIA Oscar nominated producer Gotoh stated, “Marge’s leadership has shaped WIA into the global organisation it is today, and I am deeply grateful for her partnership and vision over so many years. Stepping into the role of president is an honour, and I look forward to working alongside our board to continue expanding WIA’s reach – from North America to Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Beyond. As our industry navigates profound change, WIA’s commitment remains clear: to advance gender equity in animation, VFX, and gaming, and to provide meaningful programming, mentorship, and resources to every creative who needs it. I’m also deeply appreciative of the Global Fund sponsors who have supported this work since 2019 and helped us extend our impact worldwide. I’m excited for what we will build together in this next chapter.”
The reshuffle also sees Collective Moxie founder & CEO and current WIA secretary Julie Ann Crommett, moved up to vice-president. Walt Disney Animation Studios director of production training and development Tracy Campbell, becomes secretary, while animation executive Sharon Taylor takes over as treasurer.
WIA’s expanding footprint gives the incoming leadership plenty to build on. Over the past year, the organisation added nearly 800 members, taking its community to almost 18,000. Its 58 chapters and collectives hosted 761 events, marking a nearly 50 per cent year-on-year rise.
The organisation also welcomed Hayley Porter as executive director, marked six years of its Mentorship Circles programme, which has served 3,460 mentees since inception, and returned to annecy for the 10th edition of the WIA World Summit, drawing 650 attendees.
With Dean’s legacy setting the stage, Gotoh now takes the reins to keep the momentum rolling. The mission remains the same: making the animation industry a more inclusive space, one frame at a time.
