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Disney has set Cathleen Taff as president of its newly combined Disney Entertainment – Studios and Consumer Products team.
Beginning Oct. 4, the global licensing and publishing businesses will move under Disney Entertainment
– Studios. Staying put under the Disney Experiences division are Disney Parks Merchandise, Disney Store, and DisneyStore.com.
Most recently president of Disney Consumer Products (DCP), Lisa Baldzicki will shift into the newly created role of executive vice president of global experience and innovation, she will work closely with each business’ leadership teams to drive continued success.
The initial groundwork for this plan was first announced by Disney in August, when the company revealed it would be moving the majority of its Disney Consumer Products division into the Disney Entertainment segment in an effort to have the products team work more closely with the content side of the business.
Reporting to Disney Entertainment – Studios chairman Alan Bergman, Taff will continue to oversee Production Services, Franchise Management, and Theatrical Distribution for studios (Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures) while adding overside of the DCP businesses. Taff will also continue leading Disney Theatrical Group and Disney Music Group.
Former consumer products chief Baldzicki will now lead a newly formed team that will “identify emerging trends and opportunities, and the scaling of successful ideas across the Disney Experiences global portfolio.” Baldzicki will remain head of the Disney Parks merchandise business and add expanded responsibility for global Parks merchandise, as well as the owned-and-operated retail businesses, including Disney Store locations worldwide and DisneyStore.com. She will report to Disney Eperiences chairman Thomas Mazloum.
“Cathleen has been an invaluable partner and leader within our team, bringing the same creativity, rigor, and collaborative spirit to everything she does,” Bergman said. “As we bring Disney Consumer Products’ licensing and publishing businesses into Disney Entertainment, there’s no one better suited to guide this next chapter. She understands how to connect our stories and franchises to the ways fans experience them, and she’ll ensure these businesses continue to grow with the same focus and excellence she’s brought to Studios.”
“Lisa is a proven leader who brings together industry expertise, strategic vision, and a genuine passion for Disney storytelling,” Mazloum said. “I’m thrilled to have her in a new role where her unique ability to anticipate what resonates with consumers and translate those insights into meaningful experiences that can scale will help shape the future of our businesses across Disney Experiences.”
