The Walt Disney Company is realigning two of its divisions, Disney Consumer Products and Disney Interactive. The new combined segment, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI), will be run jointly by Leslie Ferraro, co-chair, DCPI and president, Disney Consumer Products; and Jimmy Pitaro, co-chair, DCPI and president, Disney Interactive.
The new structure is designed to share technological expertise and maximize opportunities and efficiencies across two divisions that have increasingly become focused on delivering interactive consumer experiences and products. In addition, the change is intended to more effectively leverage Disney’s extensive licensing structure and retail relationships across both segments.
“Both Disney Interactive and Disney Consumer Products have a strong track record of connecting people to their favorite stories and characters,” says Tom Staggs, chief operating officer, The Walt Disney Company. “As technology and digital entertainment continue to evolve, a shared innovation strategy will enable this new segment to create unique and engaging products and experiences that exceed consumers’ expectations.”
The traditional consumer products portfolio—product development, licensing, retail relationship management, and more—will continue under Ferraro’s leadership, while Pitaro will continue to manage social and mobile games, Asia games, online media and sales, and Disney Infinity. A new team called DCPI Labs, which focuses on using new technology to create immersive products, will report directly to Ferraro and Pitaro.
Disney plans to report the combined businesses as one segment for financial reporting purposes as of the beginning of fiscal 2016.
