Disney faced another major top-level management change this week, as president of Disney Channels Worldwide, Carolina Lighthead, announced her resignation. The news comes just a few days after the resignation of former head of Disney Consumer Products Andy Mooney and the announcement of his successor, Robert Chapek.
Lighthead’s resignation comes less than two years after she originally took the position as head of Disney Channels Worldwide, replacing Rich Ross in November 2009 as he was promoted to president of The Walt Disney Studios. No reason was given for her departure, but Lighthead wrote in an email to employees that she thought the “timing was perfect to move on to my next challenge.”
Replacing Lighthead as president of Disney Channels Worldwide will be Gary Marsh. In his previous position as president of entertainment and chief creative officer for Disney Channels Worldwide, Marsh played a key role in the development of such popular programs as Hannah Montana, Phineas and Ferb, and High School Musical, making him a perfect choice for the promotion to head of Disney Channels Worldwide.
In a statement, Disney Media Works co-chair and Disney/ABC Television Group president Anne Sweeney said:
“Gary Marsh has been the driving creative force behind Disney Channels’ remarkable growth for the past 15-plus years,” Sweeney said in a statement. “He not only understands the zeitgeist of kids’ culture, he helped create it.”
As president of Disney Channels Worldwide, Marsh will oversee the business and programming operations for Disney Channels Worldwide, which covers 169 different countries around the world. In addition to Disney Channel, Marsh’s responsibilities will also include Disney XD, Disney Junior, and Radio Disney.
