MUMBAI: Alan Bergman has been promoted as president of the Walt Disney Studios (TWDS), it was announced by TWDS chairman Dick Cook.
In his new role, Bergman will continue to report directly to Cook and oversee strategy and operations for all business units including Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group, Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, Buena Vista Pictures Marketing, Buena Vista International, Miramax, Buena Vista Home Entertainment worldwide, Disney Theatrical Productions, Buena Vista Music Group, Buena Vista Television and Buena Vista Television International.
He will continue working closely with all business heads at TWDS. The divisions reporting directly to Bergman include Finance, Technology, Business and Legal Affairs and Human Resources.
Cook said, "Alan is the quintessential strategist whether he's exploring new business ventures or overseeing our operational initiatives, his expertise in these areas has been invaluable. As we continue to grow our business both domestically and internationally; as we look to new distribution channels and develop the newest in technological advancements, I have every confidence that Alan will guide us into the future making sure that The Walt Disney Studios remains in the forefront of the entertainment industry. Alan is not only a terrific leader but a great friend and I'm pleased to recognize him with this well deserved promotion."
Previously, Bergman served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of the studio where he was an important member of the executive team and played a key role in helping shape the overall strategy of the studio. Additionally, he was the architect of the Miramax settlement and responsible for designing the division's new structure. Bergman also worked on various film financing deals including the recently completed deal to finance numerous live action films over the course of the next several years.
Bergman joined the company in 1996 as a director in the corporate controllership group with a focus on TWDS' initiatives. In 1998, he was promoted as vice president of the company's operations planning group, where he was responsible for developing the company's annual operating plan. In 2001, Bergman was promoted as senior vice president and chief financial officer of TWDS and was upped to executive vice president and chief financial officer in 2002. Prior to joining Disney, Bergman spent more than seven years at PricewaterhouseCoopers in their entertainment practice.
