In the latest Walt Disney Co. management restructuring, chairman of Disney's Motion Pictures Group Richard Cook will now assume the additional chore of overseeing the studio's worldwide home video operations.
Cook will continue reporting to studio chairman Joe Roth
and studio president Peter Schneider.
As part of the organizationwide restructuring, a plan to slash "dozens" of marketing and distribution jobs from the company's international film and video operations is being developed, said one source.
Insiders said that the job cuts -- which are expected to affect about 100 employees -- may shave some $25 million to $30 million from annual operating costs.
ABC is also looking at another round of staff cuts that could mean consolidating some departments with parent Walt Disney Co., sources said last week. While no plans have been announced, insiders noted that combining departments such as information systems, human resources and legal with Disney is under consideration.
ABC and Disney program development executives have also been meeting to discuss ways to work together more strategically. No one could predict how soon that would affect staffing.
ABC employees have been on edge about possible reductions since those at the vp level and up received forms asking them to list job functions, achievements over the past five years and what parts of the country they would be willing to relocate. But one executive insisted those forms were for assisting management in locating employees for openings throughout the Disney organization.
This most recent executive shuffle fits into a previously announced plan to reorganize Disney into domestic and international divisions. Last week, the Burbank-headquartered company named three presidents to head regional operations in London, Tokyo and Buenos Aires (HR 6/24).
Disney believes that the new global structure will increase efficiency in the marketing and distribution of theatrical and home video releases.
Cook, who has served in his current post for three years, will work closely with the recently created Walt Disney International organization in overseeing the home video operations as well as theatrical marketing and distribution outside the United States. The president of Walt Disney International, Robert Iger, is responsible for the performance of the Disney Co. country by country.Mark Zoradi and Mitch Koch will manage the day-to-day operations of Buena Vista Home Entertainment. Zoradi, who as president of Buena Vista International oversees international theatrical marketing and distribution, will now be responsible for all international home video operations.
Senior vp and general manager, North America, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Koch will still oversee the domestic home video operations. Koch has held this post for the past two years.
Zoradi and Koch will report to Cook.
Cook began his Disney career 28 years ago as a ride operator. He moved to the studio side in 1977, and was involved in the early planning stages of the Disney Channel. In 1980, Cook became a member of the Buena Vista Pictures Distribution team. The USC graduate became president of the division eight years later.
In 1994, marketing was added to Cook's list of duties. Two years later he was upped to chairman of the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group.
Carl DiOrio contributed to this report.