New Disney animated films prez

Thomas Schumacher has been promoted to president of Walt Disney Feature Animation and Walt Disney Theatrical Productions replacing Peter Schneider, who was promoted from this role to the president of The Walt Disney Studios. Joe Roth, Disney chairman, stated, "Tom, who has long collaborated with Peter in running our animation and theatrical units, is the perfect choice to replace Peter as president of Feature Animation. We are fortunate to have someone so talented and creative to assume Peter's former duties." Schumacher has been with the company since 1988 when he came on board to produce "The Rescuers Down Under" and executive produce "The Lion King." Since then, he has been executive vice president and has been in charge of supervising the development and production of all animated features including "Mulan," "Hercules," "Toy Story," and "Pocahontas." He will also share duties as co-president of Walt Disney Theatrical Productions, the division responsible for Broadway's "The Lion King" musical, with Peter Schneider. Schumacher was responsible for presenting the American premiere of the popular Canadian stage show Cirque du Soleil during the 1987 Los Angeles Festival.