Joe D’Ambrosia Upped to GM of Disney Junior Amid Reorganization

Disney Channels Worldwide has elevated Joe D’Ambrosia to the position of general manager for Disney Junior.

The promotion broadens D’Ambrosia’s current role as Disney Junior’s senior VP of original programming to include overseeing all extensions of the preschool brand’s experience on- and off-screen. He will continue to be responsible for all development and production of Disney’s original programming content for kids 2 to 7 as well as acquisitions for the preschooler demographic. In his new role, D’Ambrosia will still report to Nancy Kanter, executive VP of content and creative strategy at Disney Channels Worldwide.

D’Ambrosia joined Disney in 2011, beginning his work with Disney Junior in 2013. In 2018, he led the development of a 120-show tour—”Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour”—which was nominated for a Pollstar Award honoring top achievers in live entertainment.

In addition to D’Ambrosia’s promotion, Disney has reorganized key roles on its animated content development team for Disney Channel, Disney Junior and the upcoming Disney+ platform. Emily Hart, VP of original programming, will lead development on Disney animated content for kids 6 to 11; and VP of Original Programming Alyssa Sapire will spearhead Disney animated content for kids 2 to 5. VP of Creative and Artistic Development Shane Prigmore will lead creative development across animated programming for both kids’ age groups.

Further, Vicki Ariyasu has been appointed VP of the educational resource group, and diversity and inclusion for Disney Channels.

Kanter said, “It’s more important than ever that the people we have leading our creative and strategic content development are the best in the business and that they are empowered to seek out the most exciting talent and innovative storytelling. Joe has been integral in growing the Disney Junior brand and establishing our position as the No. 1 preschool network. His impeccable instincts for story and character along with a genuine interest in impacting the lives of young children make him the perfect person for me to hand over the reins and lead us into the next stage for Disney Junior.”

Kanter added: “Emily, Alyssa and Shane share a genuine commitment to outstanding storytelling and they’re each widely-regarded by the creative community. Vicki is a trusted resource who we will rely on to ensure our programming continues to reflect and accurately depict our diverse world. With these leaders and their teams in place, I am excited to move into the next phase of our business and content development.”