The Walt Disney Co. corporate headquarters in Burbank. AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment The Walt Disney Co. has hired Benjamin Swinburne to lead investor relations and corporate strategy for the entertainment giant. Swinburne is one of the most established research analysts on Wall Street, most recently serving as managing director and mead of U.S. media research at Morgan Stanley. He will report to Disney senior executive VP and CFO Hugh Johnston. In his new role at Disney, Swinburne will have a dual role: As head of investor relations he is tasked with "communicating the company's financial performance and long‑term strategic vision to institutional investors and retail shareholders, sell-side analysts and other key stakeholders." Related Stories Business Bob Iger's 2025 Pay Rises to $45.8 Million as Disney Board Reaffirms That Succession Is Imminent TV 'Celebrity Traitors' Winner Alan Carr Lands Disney+ Show, Set to Document His Purchase of a Historic Castle Disney has more retail investors than many other legacy public companies, as the recent proxy fight with Nelson Peltz underscored. And as head of corporate strategy, he will be responsible for "identifying growth opportunities based on industry trends and evolving entertainment consumption." In other words, potential M&A activity. "Ben has been one of the industry's most respected media analysts and brings deep insight into the evolving global entertainment landscape," said Johnston in a statement. "His analytical rigor, strategic perspective, and long-standing knowledge of our business and broader industry make him an exceptional addition to our team as we continue to execute against our long‑term vision and deliver sustained value for our shareholders." "Having spent much of my career analyzing Disney's performance and long‑term opportunities, I have a deep appreciation for the company's creative strengths, operational discipline, and consistent focus on delivering value for shareholders," added Swinburne. "It is an incredibly exciting time to be joining the company, and I look forward to working with the team to continue the incredible progress they have made to position Disney for future growth." Swinburne joins Disney as the company is planning to roll out a succession plan for CEO Bob Iger. Almost all of Iger's direct reports have inked new deals to remain with the company, ensuring stability for years to come. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up Peter Chernin Peter Chernin's North Road Company Sells to Mediawan Charter Communications Charter Adds 44,000 Pay-TV Subscribers in Fourth Quarter united kingdom Magus Films Steps Into U.K. Distribution With Matthew Hope's 'Empire of Lies' (Exclusive) Writers Guild of America Ahead of High-Profile Negotiations, Writers Guild West's Own Staff Union Authorizes Strike labor Production Workers at Big D.C. Concert Venues Vote to Unionize (Exclusive) Rambling Reporter LinkedIn Founder's AI Christmas Album Is as Bad as You'd Expect Peter Chernin Peter Chernin's North Road Company Sells to Mediawan Charter Communications Charter Adds 44,000 Pay-TV Subscribers in Fourth Quarter united kingdom Magus Films Steps Into U.K. Distribution With Matthew Hope's 'Empire of Lies' (Exclusive) Writers Guild of America Ahead of High-Profile Negotiations, Writers Guild West's Own Staff Union Authorizes Strike labor Production Workers at Big D.C. Concert Venues Vote to Unionize (Exclusive) Rambling Reporter LinkedIn Founder's AI Christmas Album Is as Bad as You'd Expect