Walt Disney Television Animation (DTVA) has been folded into Disney Channel Worldwide with a corresponding new departmental structure for the division. Rich Ross, president, Disney Channel Worldwide, made the announcement today, (Nov. 15, 2005) on the heels of the resignation of Barry Blumberg, former president, Walt Disney Television Animation, yesterday.
The new structure consists of four departments formed along functional roles: Production; Creative Affairs; Finance, Planning, Technology and Operations; and Business and Legal Affairs. The senior execs overseeing Production and Creative Affairs will now report directly to Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, Disney Channel Worldwide. The senior exec overseeing Finance, Planning, Technology and Operations will report to Jewell Engstrom, evp/cfo, Disney ABC Cable Networks Group. In addition, Business and Legal Affairs will report to Fred Kuperberg, evp, Business and Legal Affairs, Disney ABC Cable Networks Group.
Through this integration we are looking to further unlock the creative resources of Walt Disney Television Animation by streamlining its international management into the broader global original programming structure, said Ross.
The four new functional areas and the senior execs who will oversee these roles are:
Lisa Salamone, svp, Production, reports to Marsh and will oversee all animation production. Lisas comprehensive knowledge of animation production, coupled with her extraordinary management skills, make her an ideal production executive for our future organization, said Marsh.
Meredith Metz, svp, Creative Affairs, reports to Marsh, overseeing creative direction for animation projects. Meredith is a skilled executive who has been on the front lines of the development process for years, Marsh said. We are fortunate to have her as part of our team.
Joanna Spak, svp, Finance, Planning, Technology and Operations, will continue to oversee these areas, and will now report to Engstrom. Joanna is one of the most knowledgeable finance executives with whom Ive ever had the pleasure to work, and Im thrilled that shell be continuing her great work for TV Animation as part of my team, said Engstrom.
Mark Kenchelian, svp, Business and Legal Affairs, now reporting to Kuperberg. will oversee all business and legal affairs matters on a worldwide basis for DTVA productions, from development through production and licensing. Mark brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position, and I am looking forward to his continuing contributions, Kuperberg said.
