Joel Kuwahara, co-founder of Bento Box Entertainment, the Fox-owned animation studio behind series including Bob’s Burgers and Krapopolis, is stepping down from his role, Deadline has confirmed.
“As Bento Box Entertainment further integrates into Fox Entertainment Studios, the award-winning animation house enters a new chapter in its journey of creative excellence,” said Fernando Szew, president and head of Fox Entertainment Studios. “While Joel Kuwahara steps away from his role, his vision as one of the founders of Bento Box and his dedication greatly contributed to its success. We wish him well in his future pursuits.”
Kuwahara co-founded the animation studio in 2009 with Mark McJimsey and Scott Greenberg.
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His departure, which is said to be amicable, follows the recent promotion of Dana Tafoya-Cameron to EVP and Head of Bento Box Entertainment and Animation, who took over the role previously held by Brett Coker, who retired.
Prior to co-founding Bento Box, Kuwahara was a producer on Fox’s animation stalwart The Simpsons, as well as The Simpsons Movie. He also served as a producer at Sony Animation and Warner Bros. Animation and was Vice President of Production at Icebox Animation.
Variety was first to report Kuwahara’s departure.