Disney entertainment boss Dana Walden unveils new power team, elevates Debra OConnell to TV chief
Dana Walden is unifying Disney’s film, television, streaming and gaming under one roof days before a new CEO takes the reins.Walden, the incoming president and chief creative officer of the Walt Disney Company, unveiled a revamped leadership structure Monday that consolidates the House of Mouse’s sprawling content operations into a single powerhouse division.The restructuring elevates longtime exec Debra OConnell to a newly created role as chair of Disney Entertainment Television, handing her sweeping authority over the company’s TV operations.OConnell will oversee ABC Entertainment, Disney Branded Television, Hulu Originals, National Geographic content and the creative output of 20th Television and 20th Television Animation — while continuing to run ABC News and the company’s owned TV stations.The move consolidates Disney’s television and news operations under a single executive, making OConnell one of the most powerful figures inside the company.The shakeup comes on the eve of Josh D’Amaro officially stepping in as CEO, replacing longtime chief Bob Iger and cementing Walden’s role as the central creative force shaping Disney’s next chapter.The newly created role — described by the company as a first — puts Walden in charge of Disney’s entire creative engine, reporting directly to D’Amaro.“The strength of Disney has always been the emotional connection between our stories and the people who love them,” she said in an email obtained by The Post.“As fans engage with Disney across more formats and platforms than ever before, we are bringing together the full power of our creative businesses to build an even more connected experience for audiences.”Under the overhaul, Disney’s streaming platforms, film studios, television networks and its fast-growing video games and digital entertainment business will all fall under Walden’s oversight.The move marks a major strategic pivot as the Burbank giant bets tighter integration will help it...