Carolina Lightcap to Lead Disney Channels Worldwide

LOS ANGELES: Carolina Lightcap has been named president of Disney Channels Worldwide, replacing Rich Ross, who left in October to head up the company’s movie studio.

Lightcap joined The Walt Disney Company in 2000 and most recently served in the dual roles of senior VP of programming and creative affairs for Disney Channels Latin America and chief marketing officer for The Walt Disney Company in Latin America.  She will assume her new position within the Disney-ABC Television Group effective immediately and will relocate to Burbank. The Disney Channel global executive team—representing programming and production, business affairs, business planning and development, marketing, brand management, advertising sales and Radio Disney—will report to her.  

Gary Marsh will assume the new title of chief creative officer in addition to his current role as president of entertainment for Disney Channels Worldwide. He remains in charge of all program development, creative and production, reporting to Lightcap.

Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney-ABC Television Group, to whom Lightcap will report, stated, "Carolina has made enormous contributions to Disney over the past decade, especially in launching and building Disney Channel Latin America into the number one cable channel in the region. She’s a highly respected member of our global team and her wealth of experience, leadership acumen and programming, marketing and franchise building skills make her the ideal executive to lead Disney Channels Worldwide into the future."

Lightcap commented, “I’m thrilled and honored that Anne has entrusted me with this incredible opportunity. During the 10 years I’ve worked at The Walt Disney Company, I’ve had the pleasure of leading a team that took Disney Channel Latin America to number one.  Now I’m looking forward to working with the unparalleled talent at Disney Channels Worldwide as we create the future of kid-focused, family-inclusive entertainment.”
 
In commenting on Marsh, Sweeney said, "Gary is the creative force behind Disney Channel’s tremendous success and some of The Walt Disney Company’s most heralded and popular franchises including Hannah Montana and High School Musical. His unique vision helped define Disney Channel as a global leader in kid and family entertainment while fueling a content bonanza for other areas of our company.”  She continued, "With Gary’s creative vision and Carolina’s leadership, I have no doubt Disney Channel will remain at the forefront of our industry for years to come."