Disney Names New CFO, Chief Strategy Officer

BURBANK: Christine M. McCarthy has been named senior executive VP and chief financial officer, while Kevin Mayer has been appointed senior executive VP and chief strategy officer of The Walt Disney Company.

McCarthy will now oversee investor relations, corporate planning and control, tax, corporate treasury, corporate real estate, facilities, integrated supply chain management and corporate citizenship. She succeeds James A. Rasulo as CFO. McCarthy’s most recent role at Disney was as executive VP for corporate real estate, alliances and treasurer.

Mayer has been serving as executive VP of corporate strategy and business development since 2005. In his new role as chief strategy officer, Mayer will oversee corporate strategy, business development, acquisitions, enterprise information technology, innovation, brand and franchise management, and global corporate alliances.

McCarthy will report directly to Robert A. Iger, Disney's chairman and CEO. Mayer will jointly report to Iger and Thomas O. Staggs, the company's COO.

“Christine has done an incredible job as Disney’s Treasurer over the past 15 years, and her strong leadership and keen financial acumen make her an ideal chief financial officer,” Iger said. “She is highly respected in the finance sector, and in this new role she will have even more impact on creating value for Disney shareholders.”

“Kevin has overseen corporate strategy and business development at a time of unprecedented growth for Disney, playing an integral role in our successful acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm,” Iger added. “With this promotion to the new role of chief strategy officer he will continue to focus on growth opportunities and help position the company for the future.”

“I am humbled and honored to be entrusted with the role of CFO of this incredibly dynamic company,” McCarthy said. “Under Bob’s leadership, Disney has delivered record results, and I look forward to working with our talented senior management team as we build on the company’s financial strength and strong balance sheet to deliver shareholder value.”

“I'm extremely gratified to be given this opportunity to further expand Disney’s assets and businesses,” Mayer commented. “Disney’s growth has been incredible these past several years, and I am proud of the role my group has played in facilitating that expansion and excited by the strategic opportunities that lie ahead for the company.”