A new leadership structure has been unveiled for Disney Entertainment, one that unites The Walt Disney Company’s streaming, film and television business along with its increasingly important games and digital entertainment arm.
The result? The woman leading ABC News and the ABC Owned Television Stations is getting a promotion.
Debra OConnell will assume 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.
The elevation in duties was announced by incoming President/Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden. She commented, “Consumers today want to engage with Disney’s storytelling and characters in a multitude of ways – whether on Disney+, in theaters, or through the digital games they love to play. With this unified approach, Disney can deliver the world’s most beloved entertainment to fans across the many ways they choose to enjoy it.
“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,” she continued.
OConnell will be supported by Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich, who is gaining leadership of 20th Television and 20th Television Animation while remaining the head of ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals. Concurrently, Disney Branded Entertainment President Ayo Davis is now reporting to OConnell. Eric Schrier, formerly President of Disney TV Studios, maintains oversight of the studios on the production and business side, Deadline reported on Tuesday, citing an internal memo from OConnell.
With newly appointed CEO Josh D’Amaro succeeding Bob Iger and Walden taking her new role on Wednesday (3/18), Disney Entertainment’s Studios Chairman, Alan Bergman, will continue overseeing all aspects of the company’s film studios, including production, marketing and distribution, and maintain shared oversight of Direct to Consumer alongside Walden.
At the same time, Joe Earley and Adam Smith will 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 Direct to Consumer, 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.
Executive VP for Games and Digital Entertainment Sean Shoptaw, along with his organization, will now join Disney Entertainment, reporting to Walden. Additionally, Asad Ayaz, Disney’s Chief Marketing and Brand Officer, will lead teams across the company’s business segments. Ayaz will report to incoming Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro and Walden.
Lastly, FX Chairman John Landgraf will continue to report directly to Walden.
