The Walt Disney Company is solidifying its leadership team ahead of a major transition. Paul Roeder has been appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, effective March 19, 2026. Roeder, a 25-year veteran of the company, will oversee Disney’s global communications and public relations strategy. He succeeds Kristina Schake, who has held the role since 2022.

In this high-stakes position, Roeder will report directly to incoming CEO Josh D’Amaro. His responsibilities include managing corporate communications, brand reputation, and media relations across the company's vast portfolio of parks, streaming services, and film studios. Prior to this promotion, Roeder served as the Executive Vice President of Communications for Disney Entertainment, where he handled PR for brands like Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Pixar.

The move comes as The Walt Disney Company prepares for D’Amaro to take the helm. In a statement reported by WDW News Today, D’Amaro praised Roeder’s deep understanding of the brand, noting that his "strategic vision" and "deep roots" within the company are essential for the next chapter of Disney's story. Roeder’s extensive history with the company began in 2001, making him one of the most experienced communications executives in the studio’s history.