Disney Channel names new president

By Dawn C. Chmielewski, Los Angeles Times | November 24, 2009

Carolina Lightcap

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Carolina Lightcap, the senior vice president and chief creative officer of Disney Channels Latin America, has been named president of Disney Channels Worldwide -- an announcement that underscores the global nature of the network.

The 20-year veteran of the entertainment industry, who began her career in Los Angeles, is known for building Disney Channel Latin America into a top cable channel in the region. The promotion takes effect immediately.

"Carolina has made enormous contributions to Disney over the past decade, especially in launching and building Disney Channel Latin America," Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks, said in a statement. "She's a highly respected member of our global team."

Disney Channel Entertainment President Gary Marsh, the executive responsible for successful programming including "High School Musical" and " Hannah Montana," was elevated to a newly created position of chief creative officer.

He will report to Lightcap.

"Gary is the creative force behind Disney Channel's tremendous success and some of The Walt Disney Company's most heralded and popular franchises," Sweeney said in announcing Marsh's new title.

The top job has been vacant since Rich Ross, the former president of Disney Channels Worldwide, was named in October as chairman of Walt Disney Studios. Ross helped transform the network from a sleepy cable backwater that ran old films and educational fare to a tween powerhouse and reliable profit center responsible for creating brands for Disney.