Michael D. Eisner, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and Robert A. Iger, president and COO and CEO-elect, announced a restructuring of the company’s Corporate Strategic Planning Division.
The division will be restructured to more closely align with the company’s growth priorities, including creativity and innovation, new technologies and international expansion.
Many of Strategic Planning’s activities will be incorporated into the company’s four business segments — Studio Entertainment, Parks and Resorts, Consumer Products and Media Networks, as well as Disney’s international organization. A smaller corporate group will continue to develop the corporate five-year plan and focus on acquisition opportunities, emerging businesses new to the company’s existing portfolio and new technologies.
“Strategic planning will continue to play an important role in identifying the opportunities and challenges presented to our company as we grow our leadership position as the most valuable entertainment brand in the world,” said Mr. Iger. “This new structure will create efficiency with accountability and empower our business unit leaders in their ongoing efforts to create new, differentiated and compelling entertainment experiences that will ultimately generate long-term shareholder value.”
“For more than 15 years, Strategic Planning has been an essential catalyst to Disney’s growth by identifying new opportunities and expanding existing businesses. We have been extremely well-served by their efforts and now, the size, scope and dynamic nature of our individual businesses allow for this evolution,” said Mr. Eisner.
Peter E. Murphy will step down from his current role as senior executive vice president and chief strategic officer and will serve as a senior adviser to Mr. Iger. Mr. Murphy will advise the company on long-term strategic and technological trends affecting Disney and identify major growth opportunities.
“Peter’s vast contributions during his tenure at Disney, particularly his leadership role in the acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC, helped transform Disney into a market-leading global media company,” said Mr. Iger. “His extensive experience and knowledge of our businesses, technology and strategy will continue to benefit The Walt Disney Company.”
“Over the last 17 years, Peter’s foresight and talent have played a major role in making Disney what it is today, from his role in transforming strategic acquisitions to the development of new technologies and franchise opportunities, these efforts will continue to benefit Disney shareholders well into the future,” said Mr. Eisner
Mr. Murphy joined Disney’s Corporate Strategic Planning Division in 1988, served as the Chief Financial Officer of ABC, Inc. after the Capital Cities acquisition, and was promoted to his current role in 1998. In addition to leading the acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC, Inc., Mr. Murphy played an instrumental role in several company acquisitions, including Miramax Film Corporation, Disney’s stakes in E! Entertainment Television and US Weekly Magazine, Fox Family Worldwide, Baby Einstein Corporation and the Muppets franchise.
Mr. Murphy also aided in the expansion of Disney’s cable television presence worldwide, as well as its broadband and wireless services. While in his current position, Mr. Murphy also has overseen corporate brand management and new technology development.
Murdok | Breaking eBusiness News
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