Disney Restructures Company Into Three New Business Segments

Published on 2/10/17 by Craig Smith

Photo by Kristen Colada Adams on Unsplash

The Walt Disney Company has announced a strategic restructuring plan that will prioritize creativity, empower creative leaders, and ensure accountability for their businesses globally. The new organizational structure will have three main segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The leaders of each segment will have full control and financial responsibility for the creative development, marketing, technology, sales, and distribution, and will be accountable for the company’s global efficiencies.

Under this restructuring, Disney Entertainment will be co-led by Alan Bergman and Dana Walden and will include the company’s full portfolio of entertainment media and content businesses globally, including streaming. ESPN will include ESPN networks, ESPN+, and other sports content, and will be led by Jimmy Pitaro. The streaming business remains a top priority for the company, with its portfolio of Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, Star+, and Hotstar providing rich connections between consumers and the company’s stories and characters.

Bergman will have primary oversight of Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures, along with Disney Music Group and Disney Theatrical Group.

Walden will have primary oversight of ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Owned Television Stations, Disney Branded Television, Disney Television Studios, Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, National Geographic Content, and Onyx Collective.

Pitaro will continue to oversee the ESPN networks, sports content, and other related businesses, while shared-service organizations will support both Disney Entertainment and ESPN. Outside of North America, the company’s media, entertainment, and sports content and operations will continue to be managed regionally, with leaders reporting to Bergman, Walden, and Pitaro.

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, including the company’s theme parks, cruise line, resort destinations, and consumer products, will continue under the leadership of Chairman Josh D’Amaro.

According to Disney, the changes will take effect immediately and the company will begin reporting financial results under the new structure by the end of the fiscal year.