Disney CCO Kristina Schake Departing in March 2026

Kristina Schake, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of The Walt Disney Company, will leave the company after March 18, 2026. Her departure coincides with the end of Bob Iger’s tenure as Chief Executive Officer. Schake joined Disney in 2022 and has served as a member of the company’s senior management team and advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors. According to the official press release, she helped “advance Disney’s business and strategic objectives, strengthen its long-term positioning, and navigate a period of significant change.”

Iger Praises Schake’s Leadership

“Kristina is an accomplished and respected communications leader, and Disney has been fortunate to have her expertise and insight during a dynamic period that has demanded strategic clarity and judgment,” Iger said in the announcement. He described her as “a skilled strategist, a trusted advisor, and an admired leader whose positive impact on Disney will be lasting.”

Key Moments During Schake’s Tenure

During her four years at Disney, Schake shaped the communications strategies for several major milestones, including:

• Iger’s return as CEO in November 2022
• Disney’s defeat of two proxy challenges
• Profitability in streaming and the integration of Hulu into Disney+
• The announcement of a a new theme park resort in Abu Dhabi
• The launch of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer offering
• The selection of Josh D’Amaro as Disney’s next CEO and Dana Walden as President and Chief Creative Officer

Before Disney

Prior to joining Disney, Schake was appointed by President Joe Biden to lead the nationwide COVID-19 vaccine campaign. She previously served as Global Communications Director for Instagram, Communications Director for First Lady Michelle Obama, and Deputy Communications Director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.

What Comes Next

“With that mission now successfully completed, I’m looking forward to my next challenge,” Schake said in her departing statement. She expressed confidence in Disney’s future under D’Amaro and Walden. The Walt Disney Company said it will announce Schake’s successor at a later date. Source: The Walt Disney Company

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