Veteran Disney executive Rich Ross has been named as the chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. Ross will oversee production, distribution and marketing for Disney’s live action and feature animated films. He replaces Dick Cook who left the Burbank-based media and entertainment conglomerate two weeks ago. Ross was most recently the president of Disney Channels Worldwide, a group of 94 channels and channel feeds available in 163 countries. Ross’s success in building the Disney brand, his astute marketing sensibility, and proven skill to navigate complex global markets make him the perfect leader for the studio group, Disney President and CEO Robert Iger said. Ross stated he was excited about continuing the storytelling legacy of The Walt Disney Studios. “There has never been a better time to entertain our global audiences with high-quality and compelling content and introduce new characters that will become family favorites,” Ross said. Mark R. Madler
