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Credit: DisneyThe Walt Disney Company leadership has shifted dramatically over the last few years, and now, one of its most tenured leaders is officially stepping down.
While Bob Chapek may have steered the House of Mouse through the turbulent pandemic era, he was eventually ousted as CEO in late 2022 and replaced by his own predecessor, Bob Iger. Iger has been in control of The Walt Disney Company ever since, but will soon be replaced—likely in 2026.
As confirmed by the Disney board, Iger’s replacement may be announced in just a few months, leading many to speculate who will take over his role. The odds still remain with Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, but Alan Bergman and Dana Walden—co-chairs of Disney Entertainment—are also suspected to be in the running.
The jury may still be out on who will take over the CEO role, but September has brought the end of a very tenured Chief Creative Officer within the company.
After being hired to produce The Rescuers Down Under (1990), Thomas Schumacher went on to have a decorated and illustrious career within The Walt Disney Company. He has served as Chief Creative Officer of Disney Theatrical Group since 2001.
Earlier this week, Variety reported that Schumacher will be stepping down from his role as President of Disney Theatrical Group, ceding responsibilities to Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart. As the outlet notes, Schumacher’s departure was confirmed in a memo from Alan Bergman to employees of the Disney company.
“After his Disney exit, Schumacher ‘will continue shaping the face of the global theatrical landscape as a behind-the-scenes force focused on the next generation of artists and audiences,’ Bergman said in his memo,” Variety explained. “He’ll also work as a consultant for [Disney Theatrical Group] in the wake of the transition.”
Despite a report of an internal investigation into Thomas Schumacher in 2018 regarding inappropriate behavior, Bergman had nothing but good things to say about the executive in his memo.
“[He] has grown Disney on Ice, pioneered sensory-friendly Broadway shows, and developed an expansive program to enable schools to produce Disney musicals on their own stages,” Bergman said per Variety. “He has been a tireless supporter, advocate, and leader of the theatre community, playing a key role in turning Broadway’s lights back on during the unprecedented pandemic shutdown. It’s a truly remarkable record.”
Disney Theatrical Group is the arm behind Broadway hits like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and the long-running The Lion King.
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