Kristina Schake, senior executive vice president and chief communications officer at Disney, will exit the company next month.
She joined the company in 2022 where she served as a member of the senior management team and advisor to the CEO and board of directors. Disney said her replacement will be announced at a later date.
The departure of Schake, who had agreed to renew her employment terms with Disney for two more years back in October last year, coincides with the exit of Bob Iger, who is set to be replaced by Josh D’Amaro as CEO. Dana Walden will also be promoted to president and chief creative officer from her current role as co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.
Schake said: “I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to serve The Walt Disney Company during such a pivotal chapter in its history. The company I joined in 2022 was in a vastly different place from where it is today, both reputationally and from a business perspective.”
“I am proud of the work our worldwide communications team has done to support Bob as he has put Disney on a steady course for growth for the next generation of leaders. With that mission now successfully completed, I’m looking forward to my next challenge. Working alongside Bob, his management team, and so many exceptional communications professionals has been a privilege I will carry with me forever, and I leave with tremendous respect for this institution and great confidence in Disney’s future under Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden,” she continued.
Prior to her role at Disney she was appointed by President Joe Biden to lead the US COVID-19 vaccine campaign, managing the federal government’s national public education initiative.
Schake has also held key senior roles in government and politics, including communications director for Michelle Obama and deputy communications director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.
Amy Holland is currently Disney's comms chief for the EMEA region.