ESPN has promoted Josh Krulewitz to lead its communications team.
A 32-year veteran of ESPN, Krulewitz will assume his new role as senior VP of communications Dec. 31, and will jointly report to ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro and Walt Disney Co. chief communications officer Kristina Schake.
He succeeds Chris Laplaca, who is retiring at the end of the year after 43 years with ESPN, making him the longest-tenured behind the scenes employee in the channel’s history.
“Josh is a dynamic, collaborative, and strategic communications leader,” said Pitaro in a statement. “I’ve worked closely with Josh for many years and have benefitted from his excellent advice during many challenging situations. I have seen him cultivate countless relationships with media and ESPN colleagues over the years, all of which will benefit him and all of us as we continue to navigate through a complex sports media environment.
Krulewitz joined ESPN as an...
A 32-year veteran of ESPN, Krulewitz will assume his new role as senior VP of communications Dec. 31, and will jointly report to ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro and Walt Disney Co. chief communications officer Kristina Schake.
He succeeds Chris Laplaca, who is retiring at the end of the year after 43 years with ESPN, making him the longest-tenured behind the scenes employee in the channel’s history.
“Josh is a dynamic, collaborative, and strategic communications leader,” said Pitaro in a statement. “I’ve worked closely with Josh for many years and have benefitted from his excellent advice during many challenging situations. I have seen him cultivate countless relationships with media and ESPN colleagues over the years, all of which will benefit him and all of us as we continue to navigate through a complex sports media environment.
Krulewitz joined ESPN as an...
- 12/19/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Josh Krulewitz, a 32-year veteran of ESPN, has been named head of communications for the Disney sports subsidiary.
With the new title of SVP of Communications, Krulewitz will succeed Chris Laplaca, who will officially retire December 31 after a run at ESPN that has lasted more than 43 years. Laplaca, who announced his retirement in October, has led the communications department since 2008. He will end his tenure as the company’s longest-serving behind-the-scenes employee.
In his new role, Krulewitz will report to ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro and Disney Chief Communications Officer Kristina Schake. Disney recently separated out ESPN as its own corporate division, increasing visibility into its operations as it prepares for major initiatives like launching a stand-alone streaming version of its linear network.
“Josh is a dynamic, collaborative, and strategic communications leader,” Pitaro said in a press release. “I’ve worked closely with Josh for many years and have benefitted from...
With the new title of SVP of Communications, Krulewitz will succeed Chris Laplaca, who will officially retire December 31 after a run at ESPN that has lasted more than 43 years. Laplaca, who announced his retirement in October, has led the communications department since 2008. He will end his tenure as the company’s longest-serving behind-the-scenes employee.
In his new role, Krulewitz will report to ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro and Disney Chief Communications Officer Kristina Schake. Disney recently separated out ESPN as its own corporate division, increasing visibility into its operations as it prepares for major initiatives like launching a stand-alone streaming version of its linear network.
“Josh is a dynamic, collaborative, and strategic communications leader,” Pitaro said in a press release. “I’ve worked closely with Josh for many years and have benefitted from...
- 12/19/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Kristina Schake, who joined Disney a little more than a year ago as EVP and Chief Communications Officer, is getting a pay raise and a contract extension.
In an SEC filing, the company said it made the moves due to an “increase in her responsibilities,” though it did not elaborate. Disney said it had amended the original employment agreement it reached with Schake as of June 29, 2022. The original expiration of her contract has been extended to June 29, 2026, a year longer than the original deal. Her base salary has also been boosted to $780,000 as of April 9 of this year, with “future increases at the company’s discretion,” according to the filing.
Schake’s target bonus award has also been increased to 150% of her base salary and her target long-term equity incentive annual award value upped to 350% of her base salary. A previous SEC filing said Schake’s initial salary was $725,000 and...
In an SEC filing, the company said it made the moves due to an “increase in her responsibilities,” though it did not elaborate. Disney said it had amended the original employment agreement it reached with Schake as of June 29, 2022. The original expiration of her contract has been extended to June 29, 2026, a year longer than the original deal. Her base salary has also been boosted to $780,000 as of April 9 of this year, with “future increases at the company’s discretion,” according to the filing.
Schake’s target bonus award has also been increased to 150% of her base salary and her target long-term equity incentive annual award value upped to 350% of her base salary. A previous SEC filing said Schake’s initial salary was $725,000 and...
- 4/20/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Dana Walden, chairman, Disney General Entertainment Content, has restructured another area of the division she took over last summer, bringing back together publicity and communications years after they had been split. She laid out the changes in the company memo, which you can read at the bottom of the story.
Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul, most recently EVP, Publicity for ABC & General Entertainment, has been promoted to the newly created role of EVP, Publicity, and Head of Communications for Disney General Entertainment.
Charissa Gilmore, a Disney veteran of more than 30 years who most recently served as SVP of Corporate Communications for Disney General Entertainment, will be leaving as her position is being eliminated.
In her new post, Bulochnikov-Paul will oversee all external and internal communications for Dge and serve as its main spokesperson while also continuing to lead publicity for ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Freeform and Onyx Collective. She will be joining Walden...
Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul, most recently EVP, Publicity for ABC & General Entertainment, has been promoted to the newly created role of EVP, Publicity, and Head of Communications for Disney General Entertainment.
Charissa Gilmore, a Disney veteran of more than 30 years who most recently served as SVP of Corporate Communications for Disney General Entertainment, will be leaving as her position is being eliminated.
In her new post, Bulochnikov-Paul will oversee all external and internal communications for Dge and serve as its main spokesperson while also continuing to lead publicity for ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Freeform and Onyx Collective. She will be joining Walden...
- 1/19/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Charissa Gilmore, Disney’s General Entertainment’s senior vice president of corporate communications, will depart the company after more than 30 years of service. The news was confirmed in a Thursday memo to staff from Dge Content Chairman Dana Walden.
Effective immediately, Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul has been promoted to the newly created role of executive vice president of publicity and head of communications for Disney General Entertainment.
According to the memo, Bulochnikov-Paul will “oversee all external and internal communications for Dge and serve as its main spokesperson.” She will also continue to lead publicity for ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Freeform and Onyx Collective.
Bulochnikov-Paul will report to Dge marketing president Shannon Ryan and Disney senior executive vice president and chief communications officer Kristina Schake.
Also Read:
Bob Chapek’s Disney Severance Package to Exceed 20 Million After 24.2 Million 2022 Salary
Bulochnikov-Paul previously served as executive of vice president for publicity for ABC & General Entertainment,...
Effective immediately, Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul has been promoted to the newly created role of executive vice president of publicity and head of communications for Disney General Entertainment.
According to the memo, Bulochnikov-Paul will “oversee all external and internal communications for Dge and serve as its main spokesperson.” She will also continue to lead publicity for ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Freeform and Onyx Collective.
Bulochnikov-Paul will report to Dge marketing president Shannon Ryan and Disney senior executive vice president and chief communications officer Kristina Schake.
Also Read:
Bob Chapek’s Disney Severance Package to Exceed 20 Million After 24.2 Million 2022 Salary
Bulochnikov-Paul previously served as executive of vice president for publicity for ABC & General Entertainment,...
- 1/19/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Disney General Entertainment’s (Dge) senior vice president of corporate communications Charissa Gilmore is exiting her long-standing tenure at the company, leading to the promotions of Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul and Candice Ashton.
Bulochnikov-Paul, who currently serves as executive vice president of publicity and events at ABC and General Entertainment, has been upped to executive vice president of publicity and head of communications for Dge. Ashton, senior vice president of publicity, events and talent relations for Hulu Originals, has had her role expanded to include oversight of Disney Television Studios publicity.
Gilmore is a well-respected communications exec who most recently served as senior VP of communications for Disney General Entertainment. Her lengthy and storied career (nearly two decades) at Disney included various stints such as chief of staff, office of the president at Disney/ABC TV; VP of communications at ABC Studios; VP of digitalmedia at Disney/ABC TV and VP of corporate communications,...
Bulochnikov-Paul, who currently serves as executive vice president of publicity and events at ABC and General Entertainment, has been upped to executive vice president of publicity and head of communications for Dge. Ashton, senior vice president of publicity, events and talent relations for Hulu Originals, has had her role expanded to include oversight of Disney Television Studios publicity.
Gilmore is a well-respected communications exec who most recently served as senior VP of communications for Disney General Entertainment. Her lengthy and storied career (nearly two decades) at Disney included various stints such as chief of staff, office of the president at Disney/ABC TV; VP of communications at ABC Studios; VP of digitalmedia at Disney/ABC TV and VP of corporate communications,...
- 1/19/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Disney is making some changes to its TV communications team.
Charissa Gilmore, senior vp corporate communications for Disney General Entertainment, is departing the company after more than 30 years in the Mouse House. Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul has been upped to the newly created position of executive vp publicity and head of communications for the group. Hulu senior vp publicity, events and talent relations Candice Ashton, meanwhile, will also add Disney Television Studios to her portfolio.
Dge chairman Dana Walden announced the changes in a memo to staff on Thursday (read it below).
“Naomi is a respected communications leader and sharp strategist who has built strong relationships with press, talent and executives,” Walden wrote. Of Ashton, she added, “Her expertise and creativity are valued by her team and will be a perfect fit for Disney Television Studios.”
Bulochnikov-Paul will report to Dge marketing president Shannon Ryan for publicity and Walt Disney Company senior...
Charissa Gilmore, senior vp corporate communications for Disney General Entertainment, is departing the company after more than 30 years in the Mouse House. Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul has been upped to the newly created position of executive vp publicity and head of communications for the group. Hulu senior vp publicity, events and talent relations Candice Ashton, meanwhile, will also add Disney Television Studios to her portfolio.
Dge chairman Dana Walden announced the changes in a memo to staff on Thursday (read it below).
“Naomi is a respected communications leader and sharp strategist who has built strong relationships with press, talent and executives,” Walden wrote. Of Ashton, she added, “Her expertise and creativity are valued by her team and will be a perfect fit for Disney Television Studios.”
Bulochnikov-Paul will report to Dge marketing president Shannon Ryan for publicity and Walt Disney Company senior...
- 1/19/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Former Disney chief executive Bob Chapek earned 24 million in fiscal 2022, down sharply from 32 million the year before, the company revealed in its proxy Tuesday.
Chapek, who exited abruptly in November, is entitled to just over 6.5 million in remaining base salary through the scheduled expiration date of his employment agreement, just over 1 million equivalent to a pro-rated target bonus for fiscal 2023, as well as 12.6 million in accerated restricted stock units — for a total exut payout of about 20.4 million.
Current CEO Bob Iger’s total package of 14.9 million compares with 45.8 million the previous year. Iger stepped down as CEO in Feb. of 2020 to become executive chairman.
The situation was a bit confusing, as per the board’s explanation, since it had just renewed Chapek’s contract in June.
“In June 2022, the Board agreed to extend Mr. Chapek’s employment agreement based on Mr. Chapek’s work navigating the Company through the unprecedented...
Chapek, who exited abruptly in November, is entitled to just over 6.5 million in remaining base salary through the scheduled expiration date of his employment agreement, just over 1 million equivalent to a pro-rated target bonus for fiscal 2023, as well as 12.6 million in accerated restricted stock units — for a total exut payout of about 20.4 million.
Current CEO Bob Iger’s total package of 14.9 million compares with 45.8 million the previous year. Iger stepped down as CEO in Feb. of 2020 to become executive chairman.
The situation was a bit confusing, as per the board’s explanation, since it had just renewed Chapek’s contract in June.
“In June 2022, the Board agreed to extend Mr. Chapek’s employment agreement based on Mr. Chapek’s work navigating the Company through the unprecedented...
- 1/17/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Over the past few years, Disney has transformed from a company that scurried away from social issues to one now at the center of the most divisive national debates. The conscious maneuver came amid tumultuous times and leadership changes.
After the bungled response — or lack thereof for a while — to Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay Bill,” The Walt Disney Company stopped sitting out cultural fights. So when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the new PR machine at Disney was ready. Armed with a preplanned statement addressing the repeal, Disney sought to ensure employees that it would take care of them even in the face of backsliding civil rights.
Even though the language is muted, conservative critics have attacked it as a political statement. And that’s not the way Disney rolled under beloved longtime leader Bob Iger and his bulldog Zenia Mucha. Shortly after handing the keys over to Chapek,...
After the bungled response — or lack thereof for a while — to Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay Bill,” The Walt Disney Company stopped sitting out cultural fights. So when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the new PR machine at Disney was ready. Armed with a preplanned statement addressing the repeal, Disney sought to ensure employees that it would take care of them even in the face of backsliding civil rights.
Even though the language is muted, conservative critics have attacked it as a political statement. And that’s not the way Disney rolled under beloved longtime leader Bob Iger and his bulldog Zenia Mucha. Shortly after handing the keys over to Chapek,...
- 6/29/2022
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Jessica Casano-Antonellis, a former senior exec at Disney who played a key role in the launches of Disney+ and ESPN+, has joined SiriusXM as SVP and head of communications.
She reports to Chief Marketing Officer Denise Karkosis and succeeds Patrick Reilly, who is leaving the audio company after a 17-year run.
Casano-Antonellis, who worked at digital video firm Vimeo prior to joining Disney, will oversee strategic communications, brand reputation management and media relations for SiriusXM.
“Jessica is a valued and respected leader who brings a wealth of strategic communications experience in the media, entertainment and technology industries to SiriusXM,” Karkos said in the official announcement. “She will be an incredible asset to the company and will play a key role as we continue to tell the story of SiriusXM as a leader in audio entertainment.”
After beginning her Disney tenure in 2018, Casano-Antonellis contributed to the launch efforts for ESPN+ that...
She reports to Chief Marketing Officer Denise Karkosis and succeeds Patrick Reilly, who is leaving the audio company after a 17-year run.
Casano-Antonellis, who worked at digital video firm Vimeo prior to joining Disney, will oversee strategic communications, brand reputation management and media relations for SiriusXM.
“Jessica is a valued and respected leader who brings a wealth of strategic communications experience in the media, entertainment and technology industries to SiriusXM,” Karkos said in the official announcement. “She will be an incredible asset to the company and will play a key role as we continue to tell the story of SiriusXM as a leader in audio entertainment.”
After beginning her Disney tenure in 2018, Casano-Antonellis contributed to the launch efforts for ESPN+ that...
- 5/9/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Walt Disney Co. Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Greg Morrell announced he is parting ways with the conglomerate on April 29.
“After three months in this new role, it has become clear to me that for a number of reasons it is not the right fit,” Morrell told employees in an email. “After talking this over with Bob [Chapek], I have decided to leave the company to pursue other opportunities.”
Morrell’s memo concluded, “I wish him, each of you and everyone at Disney the very best.”
The former Bp executive was brought in in early 2022 to oversee Disney’s communications with government relations and public policy efforts. Morrell’s brief tenure saw the “Don’t Say Gay” scandal and subsequent Disney backlash, as well as Florida governor Ron DeSantis stripping Walt Disney World of its special district and tax breaks.
In a memo to staffers, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced that...
“After three months in this new role, it has become clear to me that for a number of reasons it is not the right fit,” Morrell told employees in an email. “After talking this over with Bob [Chapek], I have decided to leave the company to pursue other opportunities.”
Morrell’s memo concluded, “I wish him, each of you and everyone at Disney the very best.”
The former Bp executive was brought in in early 2022 to oversee Disney’s communications with government relations and public policy efforts. Morrell’s brief tenure saw the “Don’t Say Gay” scandal and subsequent Disney backlash, as well as Florida governor Ron DeSantis stripping Walt Disney World of its special district and tax breaks.
In a memo to staffers, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced that...
- 4/29/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The Walt Disney Company is parting ways with Geoff Morrell, its head of corporate affairs, after a series of public relations debacles.
Morrell, ousted after less than four months on the job, joined Disney in January from a post as the executive vice president of communications and advocacy at oil and gas company Bp. But the transition was bumpy, coinciding with a bruising period in which Disney CEO Bob Chapek was faulted for his stumbling response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” laws. Disney said Morell is “leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.”
His role will be split in half. Kristina Schake will lead The Walt Disney Company’s communications efforts, serving as our executive vice president of global communications reporting directly to Chapek. Schake joined Disney in April, and was previously deputy communications director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. She also served in the Obama and Biden administrations.
Morrell, ousted after less than four months on the job, joined Disney in January from a post as the executive vice president of communications and advocacy at oil and gas company Bp. But the transition was bumpy, coinciding with a bruising period in which Disney CEO Bob Chapek was faulted for his stumbling response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” laws. Disney said Morell is “leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.”
His role will be split in half. Kristina Schake will lead The Walt Disney Company’s communications efforts, serving as our executive vice president of global communications reporting directly to Chapek. Schake joined Disney in April, and was previously deputy communications director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. She also served in the Obama and Biden administrations.
- 4/29/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
After less than six months, there is another changing of the communications guard at the Walt Disney Company.
Battered by the ongoing battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and internal dissent, Geoff Morrell is out as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at the House of Mouse.
CEO Bob Chapek sent a memo out to staffers today announcing Morrell’s departure. “I am writing to share the news that Geoff Morrell, our Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities,” the CEO succintly said before moving on to naming the former Pentagon spokesperson’s successors. See the full Chapek memo below.
Splitting up Morrell’s role, Biden administration insider Kristina Schake will handled Disney communications efforts, while General Counsel Horacio Gutierrez will take over Government Relations and Global Public Policy.
Read Chapek’s memo to staff here:
Team-
I am writing to share the news that Geoff Morrell,...
Battered by the ongoing battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and internal dissent, Geoff Morrell is out as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at the House of Mouse.
CEO Bob Chapek sent a memo out to staffers today announcing Morrell’s departure. “I am writing to share the news that Geoff Morrell, our Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities,” the CEO succintly said before moving on to naming the former Pentagon spokesperson’s successors. See the full Chapek memo below.
Splitting up Morrell’s role, Biden administration insider Kristina Schake will handled Disney communications efforts, while General Counsel Horacio Gutierrez will take over Government Relations and Global Public Policy.
Read Chapek’s memo to staff here:
Team-
I am writing to share the news that Geoff Morrell,...
- 4/29/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Kristina Schake, who has led the Biden administration’s Covid vaccination education efforts and previously served as communications director for First Lady Michelle Obama and later in a top role in Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, is joining The Walt Disney Co. as its lead spokesperson.
Schake will report to Geoff Morrell, the company’s chief corporate affairs officer.
President Joe Biden appointed Schake last year to lead the Covid vaccination campaign at the Department of Health and Human Services, where she was counselor to secretary for strategic communications. She departed at the end of last year.
Before that, she had served as global communications director for Instagram.
She previously was deputy communications director for Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. She also served as special assistant to President Barack Obama and communications director for Michelle Obama.
In a statement, Morrell said, “Her experience in the public and private sectors, in political and corporate campaigns,...
Schake will report to Geoff Morrell, the company’s chief corporate affairs officer.
President Joe Biden appointed Schake last year to lead the Covid vaccination campaign at the Department of Health and Human Services, where she was counselor to secretary for strategic communications. She departed at the end of last year.
Before that, she had served as global communications director for Instagram.
She previously was deputy communications director for Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. She also served as special assistant to President Barack Obama and communications director for Michelle Obama.
In a statement, Morrell said, “Her experience in the public and private sectors, in political and corporate campaigns,...
- 4/5/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Charting a course through heavy court battles, hate demonstrations and a few sweet victories, Ben Cotner and Ryan White’s documentary “The Case Against 8″ made a stop at TheWrap’s Awards Screening Series on Monday in Los Angeles.
Cotner and White brought the film’s subjects, plaintiffs Jeff Zarrillo and Paul Katami in the landmark case to overturn California’s same-sex marriage ban, composer Blake Neely and editor Katie Amend to the Landmark Theaters for a screening and Q&A moderated by TheWrap Editor-in-Chief Sharon Waxman.
Dustin Lance Black, who won an Oscar for his original screenplay for “Milk,...
Cotner and White brought the film’s subjects, plaintiffs Jeff Zarrillo and Paul Katami in the landmark case to overturn California’s same-sex marriage ban, composer Blake Neely and editor Katie Amend to the Landmark Theaters for a screening and Q&A moderated by TheWrap Editor-in-Chief Sharon Waxman.
Dustin Lance Black, who won an Oscar for his original screenplay for “Milk,...
- 1/6/2015
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
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