Disney has parted ways with its head of corporate affairs, following a turbulent few months for the company in terms of public relations.
| 03 May 2022
Disney has parted ways with its head of corporate affairs, following a turbulent few months for the company in terms of public relations.
Spending less than four months with the company, Geoff Morrell joined Disney earlier this year and was immediately met with a number of challenges, primarily the company’s stance on the highly controversial ‘Don’t Say Gay’ laws.
Responding to the bill, which bans discussion of LGBTQ issues in Florida schools, Morrell guided the company and Bob Chapek to publicly explain why it hadn't taken a stand regarding the legislation. The fallout of this decision has included public protests, employee walkouts and - after Disney eventually opposed the bill and suspended political donations - a spat with Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis that could cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars.
According to Disney, Morell is “leaving the company to pursue other opportunities,” while an internal email from Morrell to staff said: “After three months in this new role, it has become clear to me that for a number of reasons it is not the right fit.”
Replacing Morrell will be the recently-employed Kristina Schake, who will lead Disney’s communication efforts. Additionally, Horacio Gutierrez, who serves as Disney’s general counsel, will take over Morrell’s government relations and global public policy purview. Both will report directly to Bob Chapek.
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