Disney makes top-level promotions in film-publicity unit

by Anita Chabria, PR Week USA 01-Dec-03

LOS ANGELES: Disney has made two high-level changes to its communications team, hiring a leader for its Buena Vista division and promoting a long-time veteran to a top role at Disney Studios.

Heidi Trotta has been appointed SVP of communications for Walt Disney Studios, and Dennis Rice has been promoted to SVP of publicity at Buena Vista Pictures Marketing (BVPM).

Trotta, who has been with Disney since 1990, will handle all communications and publicity strategy for the studio, including films, music, and home entertainment. She will also manage awards campaigns.

Rice will oversee all areas of film publicity for Buena Vista, including national publicity, field marketing, and creative materials for both live-action and animated films. He will report directly to Oren Aviv, president of BVPM.