Disney Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn Is Retiring
After a nine-year run as Chief Creative Officer of Disney Studios Content, 78-year-old Alan Horn is retiring. With Horn leaving, it’s certainly an end of an era at the Walt Disney Studios, and his time there will come to an end on December 31st of this year. Horn has had a career as an executive in the TV and film industry for almost 50 years.
Horn shared in a statement, “It has been my great privilege and pleasure to be able to spend these past 50 years helping creative people tell stories that move, entertain, and connect audiences around the world – and a dream come true to have the chance to do it at Disney, no less. I’m deeply thankful to Bob Iger for the opportunity he gave me and to Alan Bergman for being an incredible partner throughout this adventure, as well as to Bob Chapek for his steady leadership during these unprecedented times. I also must recognize the extraordinary leaders of our individual studios as well as our business teams and every single one of our fantastic team members. It’s never easy to say goodbye to a place you love, which is why I’ve done it slowly, but with Alan Bergman leading the way, I’m confident the incredible Studios team will keep putting magic out there for years to come.”
As of right now, there aren’t any plans to replace Horn. Disney has several creative heads in place for the various labels under the Disney banner including Kevin Feige at Marvel, Kathleen Kennedy at Lucasfilm, Walt Disney Studios President of Production Sean Bailey, President of 20th Century Studio, Steve Asbell; Chief Creative Officer, Pixar Animation Studios, Pete Docter; Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, Jennifer Lee; President, Disney Theatrical Productions, Thomas Schumacher; and Searchlight presidents Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum. So there’s no rush to replace Horn.
Bob Iger, Executive Chairman, The Walt Disney Company said in a statement, “Throughout an illustrious career spanning nearly five decades, Alan has had a profound impact on the entertainment industry and audiences worldwide. We have been very fortunate to have Alan at the helm of our Studio for nearly a decade, presiding over an unprecedented period of growth and exceptional storytelling, while solidifying his reputation as one of the industry’s true icons. Like so many, I will be forever grateful for his strong support, wise counsel, and enduring friendship.”
Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek added, “It has truly been a privilege to work with Alan over the years. He’s led an exceptionally talented Studio team that is the best in the industry, creating some of the most beloved and iconic films of our time, and he will forever be a cherished member of our Disney family.
Alan Bergman, Chairman Studios Content, went on to say, “Alan Horn is one of a kind, and we were fortunate that he chose to bring his talents to our Studios. He has been one of the most important mentors I’ve ever had, and we’re both very proud of what we’ve been able to do in our time together at the Studios leading this terrific team. I simply can’t thank him enough.”
Alan Horn has certainly earned his retirement.
Source: Deadline