AwesomenessTV CEO Steps Down

Brian Robbins is stepping down as chief executive of AwesomenessTV, the multi-channel media company that is part of Glendale-based DreamWorks Animation, according to media reports. Robbins, who founded the company in 2012, will be replaced by Awesomeness President Brett Bouttier. He will stay on through the transition, according to entertainment industry trade publication Hollywood Reporter. In a memo obtained by the Reporter, Robbins said that the time was right for him to pass the baton and seek new challenges. “I will always carry this company in my heart and I am forever grateful to each of you for your hard work, dedication and love that you have put into our business,” Robbins said in the memo. “You should be proud of what we have built together, I certainly am. And I can’t wait to see what’s next for AwesomenessTV’s success.” DreamWorks Animation bought AwesomenessTV in 2013 in a deal valued at $33 million. The Glendale film and television studio later sold a minority stake to Hearst Corp. and Verizon Communications Inc. DreamWorks was acquired last year by Comcast Corp. and made AwesomnessTV part of the DreamWorks New Media operating unit. Hearst and Verizon maintain their minority stake in AwesomenessTV.