Rich Ross, Chairman The Walt Disney Studios (Photo/Business Wire)

This morning, Walt Disney Company  President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert A. Iger, announced the appointment of Rich Ross, the 13 year Disney veteran and President of Disney Channels Worldwide, as the new Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, effective immediately.

Ross has been a driving force in the creation of top-notch programming and talent, which reflects the Disney brand and provides the company numerous franchise opportunities.

In a prepared statement to the press, Ross said: "I am very excited to play a key role in continuing the storytelling legacy of The Walt Disney Studios. There has never been a better time to entertain our global audiences with high- quality and compelling content and introduce new characters that will become family favorites. I look forward to working with Bob, the team at the studios and all of our Disney family towards that goal,"

Ross joined Disney in 1996 as Disney Channel's Senior Vice President, Programming and Production. Prior to that he was part of the executive team that launched FX Networks and had held senior level positions with Nickelodeon.

In his new role, Ross will oversee worldwide production, distribution and marketing for Disney’s live-action and feature animated films that are created under the Walt Disney, Touchstone, Miramax and Disney/Pixar labels. He will also be at the helm of Disney’s theatrical and music groups.

Ross assumes the chairman’s mantel just three weeks after the startling announcement of the resignation of former chairman Dick Cook.

Under his new leadership role, it is hoped that Ross will work the same magic that propelled the United States’ Disney Channel to the number one spot among children ages six to 11, and Tweens nine to 14 for the last seven and nine years respectively. Popular shows such as Hannah Montana, the award-winning Wizards of Waverly Place and Sonny With A Chance along with appealing and wholesome young entertainers like Selena Gomez, the Jonas Brothers, and Demi Lovato have also bolstered his reputation as a star-maker.

Iger summed it up best when he said, "Rich has an outstanding record of creating high-quality family entertainment that delights audiences around the world. - With his success in building the Disney brand across many of our businesses, his astute marketing sensibility, his proven ability in working effectively with talent and his skill at navigating complex global markets, I'm confident he's the perfect leader for our studio group."

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