The Walt Disney Company announced on Thursday, March 12 that Paul Roeder has been named Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, effective March 19. Incoming CEO Josh D’Amaro made the appointment as part of his leadership transition.
Roeder, a 25-year Disney veteran, replaces Kristina Schake, whose departure was announced in February. Schake will exit after March 18, the same day D’Amaro officially succeeds Bob Iger as CEO at the company’s annual shareholder meeting.
What the Role Covers
As CCO, Roeder will report directly to D’Amaro and serve as Disney’s lead spokesperson. His responsibilities include media relations, executive communications, enterprise editorial strategy, internal communications, employee engagement, public affairs, and corporate social responsibility. He will oversee enterprise and business segment communications along with regional teams in EMEA, APAC, and Latin America.
Roeder’s Background at Disney
Roeder joined Disney’s ABC communications team in 2001 and held roles of increasing responsibility in Corporate Communications from 2002 to 2010. He has led communications for The Walt Disney Studios since 2010 and was a key member of the executive team during the acquisitions of Lucasfilm in 2012 and 21st Century Fox in 2019, as well as the launch of Disney+ that same year.
In 2023, Roeder was named to lead communications for Disney Entertainment, covering Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and International. In that role, he oversaw global communications strategies for Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures, Disney Theatrical Group, and Disney Music Group.
Before Disney, Roeder worked in various roles at William Morris and as an assistant to the executive producer on the comedy film Meet the Parents. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from DePauw University and is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
D’Amaro’s Continued Leadership Transition
Roeder’s appointment is the latest in a series of leadership moves ahead of D’Amaro’s CEO tenure beginning March 18. Dana Walden was previously named President and Chief Creative Officer in a newly created role, and Thomas Mazloum was named to succeed D’Amaro as Chairman of Disney Experiences.
“Paul Roeder is an accomplished and highly respected executive with keen instincts and integrity, and he has built strong relationships in every area of the company and across the entertainment industry during his 25 years with Disney,” D’Amaro said in the announcement.
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Planning your next Disney World visit? Check out our Complete Guide to Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass for the latest 2026 pricing and strategy tips.
Source: The Walt Disney Company
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