The group will be responsible for aiding in the evaluation and take the lead in the execution of potential acquisition transactions as well.

The company has also appointed Marty Yudkovitz as Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Technology Group senior vice president, reporting to Mayer. Yudkovitz will have a lead role in identifying and executing the company‘s most promising new business development opportunities.

"The Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Technology Group will play a pivotal role in detecting and analyzing key trends impacting our markets as well as evaluating high potential new business opportunities that leverage and extend our competitive position. The group will serve as a key resource to the company by helping develop the insights and strategies that are critical to creating shareholder value," senior executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Walt Disney Company Tom Staggs said in a media statement.

The newly constituted group will work in close collaboration with the company‘s business units, where many planning responsibilities will now reside. "The company is taking a more nimble approach to strategic and business development at the divisional level and providing greater authority, responsibility, and accountability for our business executives," he added.

Mayer, who will report to Staggs, rejoins Disney from L.E.K. Consulting LLC, where he was a partner and head of the Global Media and Entertainment practice.