Disney has been involved in a lot of public controversy lately. The company’s response to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law (called the “Don’t Say Gay” law by some) brought them under criticism earlier this year. And the Florida governor’s subsequent repeal of the Reedy Creek Improvement Act as punishment for Disney’s response to the law has created even more headlines.
In light of the many political and social difficulties that the company has been experiencing, it may come as no surprise that there has been a change in leadership within The Walt Disney Company.
Deadline has reported that the recently appointed Communications Chief at The Walt Disney Company, Geoff Morrell, has already been replaced after working in the role for only about 5 months.
While CEO Bob Chapek did not give a specific reason for Morrell’s departure, it’s clear that the recent political events couldn’t have made Morrell’s life easy as the company attempted to navigate some difficult situations. Chapek sent out a memo to Disney staff, saying, “I am writing to share the news that Geoff Morrell, our Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.”
Morrell’s role will now be split between a few people. Kristina Schake, who was hired just last month as the company’s Vice President of Global Communications, will handle Disney’s communications. General Counsel Horacio Guiterrez will be in charge of Government Relations and Global Public Policy. And Jenny Cohen (Executive Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility) will now be reporting to Chapek as the Disney company re-evaluates political donations.
Deadline stated that this change may be seen as a solution to the “culture wars” that have been taking place over Disney’s recent involvement in several issues. “The hope at the highest level is that Morrell’s removal and the new reorganization will allow the media giant to out from underneath the falling debris of the current situation.”
In his memo, Bob Chapek wrote that “there is no shortage of talent to guide [the company’s] reputation-driving functions,” referring to Schake and Guiterrez, who took on Morrell’s roles. Chapek also praised Schake’s “strategic approach,” “collaborative style,” and “relentless optimism,” and he stated that Guiterrez is a “valued advisor on a wide range of issues” with “extensive experience.”
Chapek ended the memo by saying, “I am incredibly confident in this team, and look forward to working with them and all of our leadership to set Disney’s course for the next 100 years of extraordinary entertainment and experiences.”
Keep following AllEars, and we’ll let you know about the latest Disney news.
Click here to learn more about Kristina Schake, who previously worked with the Biden administration.
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!
Well, it’s a start at least. 1 down, a lot more to go. I hope the Disney swamp will get cleaned out and get back on track. These Disney fiascos are self induced, now pay for it. Still feel bad for the stockholders. Need to replace the board, top management with Disney loving people that can get the magic back, because it’s totally gone. Last trip, last year was totally lackluster.i won’t step foot back into the place, if and when, they go back to entertainment and traditional family values and actually good value for the money for the actual vacation. Disney has a lot of work to do, and my opinion, not a lot of time to get things back on track.
Just wanted to point out that the push to get rid of the reedy creek legislation was started over 3 years ago. This was not a retaliation. That said if Disney pushes into the political sphere then there are definite ramifications. Win some lose some so to speak.