Disney’s Robert Mills Expands Oversight to New Unscripted Studio

Robert Mills is expanding his remit as executive VP of unscripted and alternative entertainment at Walt Disney Television.

In his new post, Mills will lead Walt Disney Television Alternative, a newly formed production unit for unscripted programming. Having joined ABC’s alternative department in 2003, Mills has been responsible for development, current production and specials for series such as American Idol, Shark Tank, The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos.

Mills reports to Craig Hunegs, president of entertainment for Walt Disney Television, on the studio side, and to Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, as it pertains to development and production for alternative programming, specials and late night for ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals, which has been added to his purview. He also adds oversight of ABC daytime programming.

“Rob is a respected and accomplished innovator in the unscripted business and his success is reflected in the countless hours of compelling content he has long championed,” said Erwich. “This promotion is not only a well-earned next step in his career, but it also demonstrates our commitment to the type of groundbreaking programming that Rob’s team is known for.”

Added Hunegs, “Rob Mills is one of the premier developers of unscripted programming in the industry. We are excited to expand his role to run a new business unit devoted to creating alternative hits for every Disney platform and to produce more of this dynamic programming than ever before.”

“I am honored to be leading this new enterprise as our company continues its efforts to grow the direct-to-consumer business and build on our success at ABC,” said Mills. “I am incredibly grateful to Dana Walden, Craig Erwich and Craig Hunegs for this tremendous opportunity and look forward to collaborating with the talented teams within this expanded portfolio to develop and produce a higher volume of culturally defining unscripted television.”