US EditionDisney Chief Officer Steps Down, Will Now Leave Company With Bob Iger
Kristina Schake ends her four-year tenure as Disney’s chief communications officer during leadership transition as Josh D’Amaro becomes CEO on March 18.
- Next month, Kristina Schake, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, will end her four-year tenure and leave The Walt Disney Company after March 18, 2026, when Bob Iger steps down and Josh D'Amaro officially becomes CEO.
- Following recent executive alignments, Schake's departure reflects a broader leadership realignment and pressure on communications roles at Disney, as announced on February 3.
- Bob Iger and Kristina Schake sent memos Tuesday praising her service and outlined her departure; Disney said no replacement has been announced and Schake will leave despite her contract through June 30, 2027, with a low-to-mid seven figure severance package.
- Industry consultants warn the departing executive can disrupt operations and morale, while FW Cook found retention grants last two to three years but lose effect as unvested awards forfeit exit incentives.
- On March 18, D'Amaro will join the Disney board, while Dana Walden received a $5.26 million stock grant and about $27 million in target pay.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Inside the multimillion-dollar retention deals Fortune 500 companies are giving CEO runners‑up
When a chief executive succession race narrows to just a few contenders, losing doesn’t always mean losing out. Recent CEO contests have resulted in hefty compensation packages for the executives who came in second. When Disney earlier this month selected Josh D’Amaro to succeed Bob Iger as CEO, the entertainment giant gave D’Amaro’s reported rival for the job, Dana Walden, a one-time $5.26 million stock grant, plus a recurring annual target com…
Disney Chief Officer Steps Down, Will Now Leave Company With Bob Iger
The House of Mouse is charting a new course, and that means a slew of fresh faces to navigate the future. Credit: Disney The Walt Disney Company is once again preparing for a major leadership transition, as Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger has confirmed he will step down, marking the end of a defining chapter in the company’s modern history. After guiding Disney through some of its most transformative years–including major acquisitions, the laun…
Mouse Mouthpiece Out: Kristina Schake Leaving Disney The Same Day Josh D’Amaro Takes Over As CEO
Just over four months after inking a two-year contract extension, Kristina Schake is exiting as Disney’s Chief Communications Officer as a new CEO takes over. Following her four-year stint as the House of Mouse top mouthpiece, the former Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton senior aide will “depart the company after March 18, 2026, coinciding with […]
Kristina Schake to Exit as Disney's Communications Chief With Bob Iger Next Month
Kristina Schake will end her four-year tenure as Disney’s chief communications officer next month, departing alongside CEO Bob Iger. Schake’s departure as top communications executive comes amid shakeups in the C-suite at Disney. The company unanimously elected Josh D’Amaro as its next CEO last month. D’Amaro officially steps into the CEO role on March 18 at Disney’s annual shareholders meeting. “I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to s…
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