Recently, Walt Disney Co.’s (DIS) President and CEO, Robert A. Iger, named Rich Ross as the Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios effective immediately, after the sudden departure of the studio’s longtime Chairman Dick Cook. Earlier, Rich used to head Disney Channels Worldwide.
 
As the Chairman of Disney Studios, Rich’s major responsibility will be to revive the movie studio that has suffered from a string of weak box-office performances. He will spearhead the production, distribution and marketing of film labels including, Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone, Miramax and Pixar.
 
Rich’s tenure in Disney started in 1996, when he joined the company as Disney Channel’s Senior Vice President, Programming and Production. Later, in April 2004, he was promoted as the President of Disney Channel. Under his strong leadership, the Disney Channels Worldwide expanded its global reach, and it now includes 94 channels available in 163 countries in 32 languages.
 
Disney Channel, in the U.S., has remained the number one TV network among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 for nearly a decade, thanks to the creation of numerous series such as Lizzie McGuire, That’s So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place and Sonny With A Chance.
 
Walt Disney believes that Rich Ross, with his experience could steer Disney Studios on the growth trajectory.
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