Andy Bird, chairman of Walt Disney International, will be exiting Disney after a 14-year career with the studio. Variety was the first to break this story. It is unclear who will step into Bird’s role. Bird’s exit is just the latest, following Dave Hollis, president of worldwide distribution, who left at the beginning of March.
The moves are part of a companywide restructuring that comes in anticipation of the 20th Century Fox takeover. The merger sees many executives searching for new roles as the company decides who to keep from both companies.
Disney chairman Bob Iger spoke on the reorganization last week. He described the moves as being aimed at “strategically positioning our businesses for the future.” The reshuffle also saw the elevation of Kevin Mayer to chairman of a new Disney division: Direct-to-consumer and International. Robert Chapek, head of the theme park division, was named chairman of another new division, called: Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products.
Bird joined Disney in 2004. He was a major player for Disney in large international markets including China, Russia, and India. Prior to Disney, Bird worked at Time Warner and eventually became president of TBS International.
