Disney Forms New Biz Unit

The Walt Disney Company has formed a new business unit, the Buena Vista Game Entertainment Studio, a new organization created to leverage and combine new and emerging technologies, such as broadband and wireless, with video consoles, PCs, other technological innovations, and online games to deliver integrated interactive entertainment for a new consumer experience. Jan E. Smith has been installed as its president. Smith, a 14-year Disney veteran, will also continue to serve in her current role as president of Disney Interactive. Smith joined Disney in 1987 to help create and launch The Disney Store. She has served as vice president of licensed publishing and creative development, spearheaded the launch of several new book imprints as vice president and group publisher for Disney Publishing for Children, and then became executive vice president and subsequently president of Disney Interactive. As head of the Buena Vista Game Entertainment Studio, Smith will report to Robert A. Iger, Disney's president and chief operating officer. In her continuing role as president of Disney Interactive, she will report to Andrew Mooney, president of Disney Consumer Products.