Disney made some staffing moves and realignments across Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, and the forthcoming Disney+ streaming platform. The appointments were made official by Nancy Kanter, executive vice president, content and creative strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide.
Joe D’Ambrosia (pictured top) was promoted to general manager, Disney Junior, expanding upon his current role of senior vice president, original programming. He will now oversee all extensions of the Disney Junior experience — on and off screen — and will continue to be responsible for all development and production of Disney’s original programming content for kids ages 2 to 7. He will also remain responsible for acquiring preschool content. He recently led the development of Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour.
Animated Programming Development:
Some key roles under the leadership of Meredith Roberts, senior vice president, animation strategy were realigned. Emily Hart, Shane Prigmore, and Alyssa Sapire will lead the development of animated programming.
- Emily Hart, vice president, original programming, will lead development on Disney animated content for kids ages 6 to 11. Hart joined Disney in 2003 and oversaw the Emmy Award-nominated Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Fancy Nancy, The Lion Guard, The 7D, Miles from Tomorrowland, and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. She will report to Roberts.
- Alyssa Sapire, vice president, original programming, will spearhead Disney animated content for kids ages 2 to 5. Recent projects include Muppet Babies and Vampirina and the upcoming Monsters Inc. series. Prior to Disney, she was vice president, development and programming for FremantleMedia Kids & Family Group. She will report to D’Ambrosia and work closely with Roberts.
- Shane Prigmore, vice president, creative and artistic development, will lead creative development across animated programming for two demographics — kids ages 2 to 5 and 6 to 11. The Annie Award winner joined Disney in 2014 to develop and serve as co-executive producer on Tangled: The Series. Following a move into the role of vice president, creative, projects included DuckTales and the upcoming Amphibia. His theatrical credits include The Iron Giant, The LEGO Movie, How to Train Your Dragon, and Coraline. He will report to Roberts.
Educational Resource Group, and Diversity and Inclusion, Disney Channels
Vicki Ariyasu was appointed vice president. She led the formation of the Disney Junior Educational Resource Group to ensure all content incorporates the best practices in early childhood education and development. She also helped establish the Disney Junior Advisory Board, a council of prominent academics that further guides Disney Junior’s curriculum. She will continue to report to Kanter.
Photo Credit: Disney Channel/Bob D’Amico
