Dana Walden has unveiled a new leadership team for Disney Entertainment, encompassing streaming, film, and TV operations, as she prepares to take on the post of president and chief creative officer of The Walt Disney Company.
Walden assumes her new role on March 18, part of a revamped company structure under new CEO Josh D’Amaro.
“The strength of Disney has always been the emotional connection between our stories and the people who love them,” said Walden. “As fans engage with Disney across more formats and platforms than ever before, we are bringing together the full power of our creative businesses to build an even more connected experience for audiences. I’m very fortunate to work alongside such a passionate and talented group of leaders who are driven by the joy of storytelling, and I’m especially excited to work with our new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, as we enter this next chapter together.”
Alan Bergman, chairman of studios at Disney Entertainment, will continue to lead all film operations, with shared oversight of DTC alongside Walden.
Joe Earley and Adam Smith become co-presidents of direct-to-consumer, sharing responsibility for strategy and financial performance across Disney+ and Hulu, reporting to Walden and Bergman. Earley will also serve as head of content strategy for DTC, while Smith continues as chief product and technology officer for Disney Entertainment, and for ESPN, where he will continue to report to ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
Debra OConnell fills the newly created role of chairman of Disney Entertainment Television, overseeing the television brands, including ABC Entertainment, Disney Branded Television, Hulu originals, National Geographic Content, and creative for 20th Television and 20th Television Animation. She will also continue to oversee ABC News and the ABC Owned Television Stations.
John Landgraf, Chairman of FX, will continue to report directly to Walden.
Games and digital entertainment join Disney Entertainment, led by EVP Sean Shoptaw, reporting to Walden.
Asad Ayaz, Disney’s chief marketing and brand officer, will report to D’Amaro and Walden.
