There are a lot of changes happening in the leadership of The Walt Disney Company as incoming CEO Josh D’Amaro prepares to step into his new role. This last week, Disney Experiences saw a shake-up as Disneyland Resort President Thomas Mazloum was tapped to take over the role of Disney Experiences Chairman when D’Amaro moves to CEO. Mazloum is being replaced at the Disneyland Resort by President and Manager of Disney Parks International Jill Estorino. There are other new leaders being put in place throughout Disney Experiences during this game of corporate musical chairs.
Up in Burbank at the corporate headquarters of The Walt Disney Company, there was an opening for the role of Chief Communications Officer after Kristina Schake announced that she would be departing when current Disney CEO Bob Iger retires. This role has now been filled. Paul Roeder has been named as Disney’s next Chief Communications Officer under D’Amaro. Roeder has been with the company for 25 years. He most recently held the role of Executive Vice President, Communications – Disney Entertainment Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and International.
“Paul Roeder is an accomplished and highly respected executive with keen instincts and integrity, and he has built strong relationships in every area of the company and across the entertainment industry during his 25 years with Disney,” said D’Amaro when the announcement was made. “He has a passion for Disney and a deep understanding of what it stands for, and I know he’ll do an outstanding job leading our exceptional Communications teams worldwide.”
Roeder will be reporting directly to D’Amaro in this new role. He will be responsible for leading Disney’s worldwide communications and public relations strategy and operations. Roeder will also serve as the company’s lead spokesperson. He will have oversight of enterprise and business segment communications, along with the regional communications teams in EMEA, APAC, and Latin America. He will be responsible for media relations, executive communications, enterprise editorial strategy, internal communications and employee engagement, public affairs, and corporate social responsibility.
“Disney is a place I love dearly, and it is a tremendous honor to take on this role at such an exciting and pivotal time for the company,” said Roeder. “I have huge respect for Josh D’Amaro, Dana Walden, and the entire executive team – as well as my talented Communications colleagues – and I’m incredibly optimistic about what we’ll be able to accomplish together. I’m deeply grateful to Josh for this wonderful opportunity, to Alan Bergman for his mentorship and support over the 15 years I’ve served him at The Walt Disney Studios, and to Bob Iger for the encouragement and insight he has so generously offered throughout my career at Disney.”
About Paul Roeder
Disney shared information on Roeder’s history with Disney. See this biography here:
Named to lead communications for Disney Entertainment – Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and International in 2023, Roeder oversaw the development and implementation of global communications strategies for The Walt Disney Studios and its collection of world-renowned production studios, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures; Disney Theatrical Group; and Disney Music Group. He also led the communications teams for Disney Entertainment’s Direct-to-Consumer group as well as Disney Entertainment and ESPN’s Product and Technology, Platform Distribution, and International divisions, and The Walt Disney Company’s Office of Technology Enablement. His deep company knowledge and expertise have also been pivotal in building strong reputation-management tactics at the corporate level.
Roeder has led communications for The Walt Disney Studios since 2010, serving as a key member of its executive team throughout the acquisitions and integrations of Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox in 2012 and 2019, respectively; the 2019 launch of Disney+; and the release of some of the biggest films of all time, including “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Black Panther,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Frozen,” and “Inside Out 2,” among many others.
Previously, Roeder served in roles of increasing responsibility in Corporate Communications for The Walt Disney Company from 2002-2010, after joining Disney’s ABC communications team in 2001. He began his career in the entertainment industry serving in various roles at William Morris and later as an assistant to the executive producer on the comedy tentpole Meet the Parents. Roeder is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from De Pauw University.
What do you think of Paul Roeder being placed in this new role? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
