The Walt Disney Co. has recently announced its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Hugh Johnston. As the senior executive VP and CFO, Johnston will play a critical role as the top financial executive in the company, supporting CEO Bob Iger.
Hugh Johnston joins Disney from his previous position as the CFO of PepsiCo, a leading food and beverage company. With this appointment, he effectively succeeds Christine McCarthy, who had stepped down from the CFO role earlier this year. In the interim period, Kevin Lansberry had been fulfilling the role of interim CFO.
Bob Iger expressed his confidence in Johnston’s appointment, stating, “Hugh’s well-earned reputation as one of the best CFOs in America and his wealth of leadership experience in both financial and operational roles overseeing a diverse portfolio of top global brands make him a perfect addition to Disney’s senior leadership team.” He further emphasized the importance of Johnston’s expertise in driving growth and value creation for Disney and its shareholders.
Acknowledging the contribution made by Kevin Lansberry during his interim CFO role, Iger expressed his gratitude stating, “Kevin has provided steady leadership and invaluable counsel to our executive management team, and he will continue to be one of our company’s most important financial leaders as he returns to his role as CFO of our Disney Experiences segment.”
The appointment of Hugh Johnston as CFO is expected to bring a fresh perspective and extensive experience to Disney. As the company continues its transformative work to drive growth and value creation, Johnston’s expertise is anticipated to play a crucial role in achieving these goals.
With Johnston’s background in financial and operational roles overseeing a diverse portfolio of top global brands, his appointment aligns with Disney’s focus on expanding and diversifying its entertainment offerings. This strategic move comes at a time when the entertainment industry is experiencing rapid changes and adapting to new technologies and consumer preferences.
As Disney continues to expand its global footprint, the leadership team recognizes the importance of staying ahead of industry trends and leveraging opportunities for growth. Hugh Johnston’s track record in leading financial strategies and driving operational excellence is expected to bolster Disney’s position as a global entertainment leader.
The CFO role at Disney is highly influential, as the financial executive not only oversees the company’s financial operations but also plays a vital role in strategic decision-making. With his extensive experience, Hugh Johnston is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry and position Disney for long-term success.
In conclusion, the appointment of Hugh Johnston as CFO of The Walt Disney Co. marks an important milestone for the company. With his proven expertise and leadership skills, Johnston is set to make significant contributions to Disney’s growth and value creation initiatives. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, having a strong and strategic financial leader like Johnston is crucial for Disney to maintain its position as a global leader in entertainment.