Russell Hampton New President, Disney Publishing Worldwide
R. Russell Hampton, Jr. has been named President, Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW), responsible for overseeing DPW's various book imprints and magazines around the world. He replaces Deborah Dugan who announced her resignation earlier this week. He will be based in New York City and report to Andy Mooney, chairman, Disney Consumer Products.
"Russell is taking over Disney Publishing at a time when its reputation for creating exciting new entertainment is flourishing," said Mooney. "His leadership in turning Baby Einstein from a small video company to a significant multi-media infant developmental brand is well suited to overseeing DPW's positive momentum."
Hampton was named evp of DCP's global home and infant business in 2005 in addition to being gm of The Baby Einstein Co., a position he held since 2001 when The Walt Disney Co. (TWDC) bought it.
Disney Publishing Worldwide celebrates its 75th year in 2006 and is the largest publisher of children's books and magazines in the world, selling 160 million books in 2005 and publishing 222 million magazine copies. DPW also publishes FAMILY FUN magazine and the new WONDERTIME magazine for adults.
Commenting on Dugan's resignation, Mooney said, "The Disney treasure chest of characters and stories is much fuller today thanks to Deb's oversight. The comicbook series W.I.T.C.H. that has sold over 20 million copies and became a TV series and the creation of the Disney Fairies franchise are just two examples of Deb's legacy at Disney Publishing."
While gm of The Baby Einstein Co., the business experienced triple digit growth year over year. With a presence in more than 30 countries, Baby Einstein continues to lead the infant developmental media market place it created. Hampton most recently collaborated with Disney Channel in the development of DISNEY'S LITTLE EINSTEINS, which is one of the most popular series on Disney Channel.
Previously, Hampton was vp of strategic planning and corporate development for TWDC. He joined TWDC in 1996 as manager of strategic planning. Before joining Disney, Hampton was vp of J.P. Morgan & Co. in New York City.
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW, disney.go.com/disneybooks) is the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines with 441 children's magazines published and 160 million children's books sold each year. Headquartered in New York City, DPW publishes books and magazines in 85 languages in 103 countries, reaching more than 100 million readers each month.