Ross Named Chairman of Disney Studios

Rich Ross has been named chairman of the Walt Disney Studios, taking over the job from Dick Cook, who left the studio abruptly last month following a string of box office disappointments that earned him the ire of studio president and CEO Bob Iger.

Ross was president of Disney Channels Worldwide, and was responsible for turning many of the division’s properties, such as Hannah Montana and High School Musical, into hit franchises.

As studio chairman, Ross will oversee all of the studio’s film imprints, which includes Touchstone, Miramax and Pixar. He also will be in charge of the studio’s theatrical and music groups.

Ross has been with Disney Channel since 1996 and was head of the division since 2004. Prior to Disney, he worked for the FX Network.