Disney’s New Power Play: Who’s Running the Big Entertainment Machine?
Disney has reshuffled its leadership to bring games and digital media under the same umbrella as film, TV, and streaming. The newly formed Disney Entertainment unit is headed by Dana Walden as President and Chief Creative Officer, who will oversee everything from blockbusters to mobile games and a larger executive team.
Leadership Overview
- Dana Walden – President & Chief Creative Officer
Leads Disney Entertainment (film, TV, streaming, games, digital media)
- Alan Bergman – Chairman of Film Studios
- Maintains roles in production, marketing, and distribution
Co‑leads Direct‑to‑Consumer (DTC) with Joe Earley & Adam Smith to streamline Disney+ and Hulu strategy
- Debra OConnell – Chairman of Disney Entertainment Television
- Manages ABC Entertainment, Disney Branded TV, Hulu Originals, National Geographic Content, 20th Television
- Oversees ABC News and local stations
- John Landgraf – Chairman of FX
Reports directly to Walden; keeps FX brand strong while supervising Onyx Collective
- Sean Shoptaw – Head of Games and Digital Entertainment
Moves his team into Disney Entertainment to align gaming with streaming, paving the way for collaborations like a Disney universe in Fortnite
- Joe Earley – Co‑President of DTC
Shifts from President to Co‑President alongside Adam Smith
Eric Schrier – Now reports to Joe Earley
Potential change: Craig Erwich may report to Debra OConnell (not confirmed).
Strategic Vision
Walden’s memo stresses a unified approach:
“Fans want to engage with Disney in many ways—on Disney+, in theaters, or through games.”
The new structure aims to make storytelling more seamless across all platforms and empower creators, ensuring beloved stories reach fans wherever they choose.
