Changes in toon town
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January 7, 1999: 8:17 p.m. ET
Disney taps head of animation unit to oversee Walt Disney Studios
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Walt Disney Co. Thursday promoted Peter Schneider to the post of president of Walt Disney Studios.
Schneider, who helped revive Disney's animation business with films such as "Who Framed Roger Rabbit", "Aladdin", "Beauty and the Beast" and the blockbuster hit "The Lion King," will be charged with expanding the number of family films released under the Disney label as part of a strategic shift away from high-priced action films.
The Burbank, Calif.-based entertainment giant said Schneider will report to Joe Roth, chairman of Walt Disney Studios.
In his new role Schneider will oversee the creative development, production, marketing, and distribution of all Disney-branded entertainment products, including feature animation, live action, TV animation, Sunday Night movie and theatrical productions.
"Peter has delivered outstanding performances in every endeavor he has undertaken since joining the company in 1985," Disney Chairman Michael Eisner said in a statement.
"While the breadth of his new responsibilities will be wide, he has consistently demonstrated the creative and management capacity to handle the broad range of duties he will now shoulder. With this promotion, we are consolidating all Disney Studios operations under Joe Roth."
"Over the last four years, Joe has skillfully taken on an increasing amount of responsibility, including television production, home video and music. This Studio change is part of our continuing effort to simplify and streamline our organizational structure worldwide.
Schneider, 48, will also consult on all live entertainment at Disney theme parks worldwide.
Disney (DIS) closed Thursday at 31-3/4, up 13/16.
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Walt Disney
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