Disney is restructuring its consumer products division, moving global licensing and publishing under the Studios umbrella effective Oct. 4, while parks merchandise and Disney Store operations remain within Disney Experiences.
As part of the transition, Cathleen Taff has been named President, Disney Entertainment – Studios and Consumer Products, reporting to Studios Chairman Alan Bergman. Alongside leading the incoming consumer products businesses, Taff will continue overseeing production services, franchise management, and theatrical distribution for studio labels including Disney, Walt Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures. She will also remain at the helm of Disney Theatrical Group and Disney Music Group.
A 30-year Disney veteran, Taff has held senior roles spanning technology and operations, labor relations, franchise groups, and the company's stage production and music arms. As leader of Disney's theatrical distribution team, she oversaw two of the biggest years in worldwide box office history, including a record $11 billion in 2019, along with seven billion-dollar films released over the past three years: 'Inside Out 2,' 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' 'Moana 2,' 'Lilo & Stitch,' 'Zootopia 2,' 'Avatar: Fire & Ash' and this summer's 'Toy Story 5.'
'Cathleen has been an invaluable partner and leader within our team, bringing the same creativity, rigor, and collaborative spirit to everything she does,' said Bergman. 'As we bring Disney Consumer Products' licensing and publishing businesses into Disney Entertainment, there's no one better suited to guide this next chapter. She understands how to connect our stories and franchises to the ways fans experience them, and she'll ensure these businesses continue to grow with the same focus and excellence she's brought to Studios.'
Meanwhile, Lisa Baldzicki will continue leading the Disney Parks merchandise business, with expanded responsibility for global Parks merchandise and the company's owned-and-operated retail operations, including Disney Store locations worldwide and DisneyStore.com. She will report to Thomas Mazloum, Chairman of Disney Experiences.
In her new role as EVP, Global Experience & Innovation, Baldzicki will oversee a newly formed team tasked with identifying emerging trends and opportunities and scaling successful ideas across the Disney Experiences global portfolio, working closely with leadership across each business. Baldzicki brings nearly three decades of experience in global retail and merchandising, spanning wholesale, vertical retail, and hospitality environments.
'Lisa is a proven leader who brings together industry expertise, strategic vision, and a genuine passion for Disney storytelling,' said Mazloum. 'I'm thrilled to have her in a new role where her unique ability to anticipate what resonates with consumers and translate those insights into meaningful experiences that can scale will help shape the future of our businesses across Disney Experiences.'
