Disney Studios Content Chairman Named
More and more entertainment companies are changing their executive structure and how they do business to adapt to the new normal brought about by the global coronavirus pandemic. The latest big name to do so is Disney, who just announced a Disney Studios Content chairman.
Variety reports that Disney has named Alan Bergman the chairman of the division. The 24-year veteran of the company will now be the sole head, as he previously co-chaired Disney Studios with Alan Horn.
Bergman is expected to captain the company as it adapts to the increased importance streaming has gained because of the global coronavirus pandemic. He is also expected to oversee the operations, marketing, production, and creative aspects of the studio.
Aside from Disney and its animation studio, Bergman is also expected to provide direction for the other studios under the Disney umbrella: Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Pixar. The newly acquired 20th Century Studios, Blue Sky Studios, and Searlight Pictures will also be under his purview.
Horn, meanwhile, will now be the studio’s chief creative officer and serve as a guiding force with regards to the company’s film slate.
Deadline quotes Disney CEO Bob Chapekas saying that Bergman is an “exceptional leader” that he had no problem naming as the sole chairman of the Disney Studios division. He also said that the company was fortunate to have Horn staying on as its chief creative officer.
The publication also has Bergman expressing his gratitude to the company and emphasizing his belief in the company’s people and culture. He also name-checked Bob Iger and Horn for their leadership and Chapek for his support.
Of course, Disney is far from being the only media company doing some reorganizing. Just recently, rival studio Warner Bros. announced a new chairman for its television division.
Channing Dungey, previously the vice president of originals over at Netflix, was named a couple of months ago as the new chairman of Warner Bros. Television, taking over from Peter Roth once he retires next year.
Over at streaming giant Netflix, Bela Bajaria has been promoted to head of global television. Her promotion comes a few months after the streaming service announced Bozoma Saint John as its new chief marketing officer.
Bergman, Dungey, and Bajaria are all expected to strengthen their companies' presence in the streaming environment that has risen in importance during the global coronavirus pandemic.
For instance, both Netflix and the Disney streaming service Disney+ have seen increases in their paid subscriber base since the pandemic. Disney+ recently crossed the 80 million mark when it comes to paid subscribers. Netflix, on the other hand, still leads the pack with 195.15 million subscribers.