Disney Junior Names VP of Programming

BURBANK: Joe D’Ambrosia is to serve as the VP of programming for Disney Junior, soon to be rebranded from Playhouse Disney.

D’Ambrosia oversees production and programming strategies and creative development of entertainment and learning-based TV properties. D’Ambrosia is also developing new full-length and short-form series. He began his career at Nickelodeon, where he launched the family-film division. D’Ambrosia went on to help launch Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Nancy Kanter, the senior VP of Disney Junior Worldwide, said: "Joe is one of the most well-liked and well respected people in the business, and we are thrilled to have him join our team. His past experience as a movie executive working with a wide range of writers and producers will open up new creative possibilities for Disney Junior."

D’Ambrosia added: "I’m excited to introduce a whole new generation to the magic of Disney storytelling. It is an honor and a privilege to create exciting new stories for such classic characters as Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Captain Hook, and some new characters too."