Jeff Morrell is out of Disney in a few months – The Hollywood Reporter

Jeff Morrell, Walt Disney’s chief corporate affairs officer, will leave after just three months on the job to “pursue other opportunities,” Morrell and Disney CEO Pop Network He told the staff Friday.

“After three months in this new position, it has become clear to me that for a number of reasons he is no longer a good fit,” Morrell told employees in an email.

Former CEO of BP and Pentagon spokesman under Bush Join Disney Earlier this year in the new role, which included overseeing Disney Communications government relations and public policy efforts.

These three areas have been tested in recent months, as the company passed its response to the so-called “Don’t Say Like Me” Florida bill. distance He initially argued that Disney should remain apolitical As much as possible, Chapek and the company dealt with a backlash from employees who felt they had no back.

Eventually the company would take a public stand against the bill, but by that point it was too late, and it was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis just a few weeks later. after signture Disney argued It should be rescinded or set aside in court.

This position, in turn, infuriated state Republican legislators, who passed a bill (also signed by DeSantis) cancels the Disney Special Zone around Walt Disney World.

Tangle told the task force that Christina Shack would lead global communications moving forward, reporting to it, with Government Relations and Public Policy led by Disney General Counsel Horacio Gutierrez. Shack Join Disney earlier this month, Morell reported.

“Christina has a strategic approach and collaborative style, as well as continued optimism and a strong appreciation for our brand and standing in the world,” Chuckle wrote of Shaq. “These attributes will be invaluable as they serve to protect and enhance our reputation.”

Read Chapek’s email to employees below.

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I am writing to share the news that Jeff Morrell, our Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Fortunately, the strength and experience of our current leadership team—including relatively new hires—means that there is no shortage of talent to direct our reputation driving jobs. With Jeff gone, I’m happy to share the following changes:

First, Christina Shack will drive The Walt Disney CompanyCommunications Efforts, as Executive Vice President, Global Communications Company is directly responsible to me. In this expanded role, Christina will oversee corporate and sector communications and will remain our principal spokesperson. Our Business Division and Content Communications leadership will continue to provide dual reporting to both division leadership and corporate communications, now led by Christina.

We are very fortunate to have Christina with us at this important time. Her 30+ years of experience includes roles that led President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine education program, Instagram communications, and leadership positions in political campaigns and the Obama White House. Christina has a strategic approach and collaborative style, as well as constant optimism and a strong appreciation for our brand and its place in the world. These traits will be invaluable as they protect and enhance our reputation, and I am pleased to work closely with them.

Thereafter, Global Government Relations and Public Policy will now be led by our General Counsel, Horacio Gutierrez. Since joining the company earlier this year, Horacio has seamlessly integrated into the Disney family, quickly becoming an important advisor to me and the leadership team on a wide range of issues. His extensive experience in leading these areas will be incredibly useful in spearheading our efforts.

In addition to his current direct reports, Susan Fox, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, and Yvonne Bay, Senior Vice President of External Relations for Greater China, will join Dorothy Atwood, Senior Vice President for Global Public Policy, reporting directly to Horacio.

Finally, Jenny Cohen, Executive Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, will now report to me alone in her role in leading our CSR and ESG efforts. Jenny is a strong leader, and she has done an incredible job of updating our approach in key areas such as environmental sustainability, community investing, and philanthropy.

I am incredibly confident in this team, and I look forward to working with them and all of our leadership to set the Disney course over the next 100 years of extraordinary entertainment and experiences.