The Walt Disney Company has announced that ABC News President Ben Sherwood will replace Anne Sweeney as co-chairman, Disney Media Networks and president of the Disney/ABC Television Group.
Sweeney recently announced that she is leaving her position in February 2015 to pursue a career on the creative side of the entertainment industry.
In his role as ABC News President, Sherwood has successfully driving Good Morning America to the #1 spot in morning news programs, launched Fusion – the joint venture with Univision – and brokered a partnership with Yahoo to create the #1 news and information online network.
He was seen as the leading candidate to replace Sweeney.
“Ben is one of those unique executives who combine rich creative experience with great business acumen,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “He’s also focused, strategic, and competitive, as evidenced by the success of GMA, the Yahoo deal that delivered ABC News online dominance, and his vision behind our new cable and digital joint venture, Fusion. These reasons, and many others, make Ben the ideal candidate to oversee the future of the Disney/ABC Television Group.”
Sherwood is an award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and digital media entrepreneur. He was named president of ABC News in December 2010. He began his journalistic career in 1989 as an investigative associate producer for ABC News’ PrimeTime Live. He left ABC in 1997 but returned in 2004 as an executive producer for Good Morning America.
He is the author of two best-selling novels, The Man Who Ate the 747 and The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud. His latest novel, The Survivors Club, is a non-fiction book that explores the science and secrets of who bounces back from everyday adversity and who doesn’t.
His novel The Life of Death of Charlie St. Cloud was adapted into the film Charlie St. Cloud in 2010. The film starred Zac Efron.
Sherwood will begin his transition as Co-President, Disney/ABC Television Group effective immediately. He will continue to oversee ABC News until a successor is named.
