MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Co has named Hollywood veteran Alan Horn as chairman of its film division.

“I’m incredibly excited about joining The Walt Disney Company, one of the most iconic and beloved entertainment companies in the world,” said Horn. “I love the motion picture business and look forward to making a contribution as part of Bob Iger’s team working closely with the dedicated and talented group at the studio.”

Upon his appointment, Horn said that he would not desist making big budget films despite Hollywood‘s recent string of flops such as its very own John Carter and Universal Pictures‘ Battleship.

Horn, the person who was responsible in giving hits like the Harry Potter series while he was president of Warner Brothers Entertainment, intends to focus on six to eight films a year. He follows Rich Ross, a former Disney Channel executive, who had to exit Disney for moving too slowly to put films into production and not keeping a tab on the rising budget of John Carter.

Horn was most recently President and COO of Warner Bros. Entertainment where he had oversight of the Studios’ theatrical and home entertainment operations, including the Warner Bros. Pictures Group, Warner Premiere (direct-to-platform production), Warner Bros. Theatrical Ventures (live stage) and Warner Home Video. During his 12 year tenure, Warner Bros. Studios was the global box office leader seven times.

Among the numerous critically acclaimed films and box office hits released during his tenure are all eight films in the Harry Potter series, The Dark Knight, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Happy Feet, Sherlock Holmes, The Departed, Batman Begins, Million Dollar Baby, the second and third Matrix films and the Ocean’s Eleven trilogy. Horn is also an executive producer of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Horn will assume office on 11 June.