The Walt Disney Company has unveiled a new leadership structure for its entertainment division under Dana Walden, bringing together the company’s streaming, film, television and growing games businesses under a unified framework. The move reflects Disney’s strategy to align its creative and distribution strengths as audiences increasingly engage with content across multiple platforms.
The company shared Walden leadership yesterday, who will formally assume the role of President and Chief Creative Officer on March 18, will report directly to incoming CEO Josh D’Amaro. The newly created role is a first for the company and signals a broader shift toward integrated storytelling across theatrical releases, streaming platforms like Disney+, and digital gaming ecosystems.
Announcing the changes, Walden said Disney’s strength has always been rooted in the emotional connection between its stories and audiences. She noted that as consumers engage with Disney content across formats—from theatres to streaming and gaming—the company is bringing together its creative businesses to deliver a more connected and immersive experience.
Under the new structure, Alan Bergman will continue as Chairman of Disney Entertainment, Studios, overseeing film production, marketing and distribution, while also maintaining shared oversight of the Direct-to-Consumer business alongside Walden.
Joe Earley and Adam Smith have been named co-presidents of Direct-to-Consumer, taking joint responsibility for strategy and financial performance across Disney+ and Hulu. Earley will additionally lead content strategy, while Smith will continue in his role as Chief Product and Technology Officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, reporting to ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
A significant development within the restructuring is the appointment of Debra O’Connell to the newly created role of Chairman, Disney Entertainment Television. She will oversee a wide portfolio including ABC Entertainment, Disney Branded Television, Hulu Originals, National Geographic content, and creative operations for 20th Television and 20th Television Animation. She will also continue to manage ABC News and the ABC Owned Television Stations.
The company is also integrating its games and digital entertainment business more closely into its core structure. Sean Shoptaw, Executive Vice President of Games and Digital Entertainment, will now report to Walden. His team oversees Disney’s games business and its collaboration with Epic Games, including efforts to build a Disney universe connected to Fortnite. This integration underscores the growing importance of gaming in Disney’s long-term storytelling strategy.
John Landgraf, Chairman of FX, will continue to report directly to Walden, while Asad Ayaz, Disney’s Chief Marketing and Brand Officer, will report to both Josh D’Amaro and Walden, continuing to lead marketing functions across the company’s business segments.
The restructuring marks a significant step in Disney’s efforts to unify its content ecosystem at a time when the lines between film, television, streaming and gaming continue to blur. By bringing these verticals under a single leadership vision, the company aims to strengthen its ability to deliver consistent, high-quality storytelling experiences across platforms and audiences worldwide.
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