Disney TV Shakeup: Patrick Moran Out as ABC Studios President, 20th Century Fox’s Jonnie Davis to Take Over

Carolyn Cassidy to lead 20th studio alongside Howard Kurtzman, Howard Davine also departs ABC Studios

Patrick Moran is out as president of ABC Studios as part of a broader executive shakeup under Disney TV Studios, with Jonnie Davis shifting over from 20th Century Fox TV as his replacement.

Davis had been running 20th Century Fox TV alongside Howard Kurtzman. While at Fox, Davis helped develop the studio’s hits “This Is Us” and “Modern Family,” the latter of which is heading into its final season.

Now, Kurtzman will lead the studio with Carolyn Cassidy, who was promoted to president of creative affairs; Kurtzman is the head of business operations. Carolyn Cassidy most recently served as executive vice president of current series for the studio and ran the current series department since July 2015.

“This exceptional group is uniquely qualified to continue building our position as the strongest studios in the industry and the very best home for talent,” Craig Hunegs, president of Disney Television Studios, said.

Along with Moran, Howard Davine is also leaving ABC Studios as executive vice president of business operations, with Josh Sussman promoted to fill his role.

“I have enormous respect for Patrick and Howard and for all they have achieved in their careers at ABC Studios. Patrick has developed and overseen many landmark series and has an excellent slate of new shows,” Hunegs continued. “I have known Howard for many years and he is one of the most accomplished and effective business affairs executives in our industry, having made a number of groundbreaking deals and run an excellent business. Together they have brought to ABC Studios a wonderful group of writers, producers and executives and made a lasting contribution to The Walt Disney Company.”

Moran had been president of ABC Studios since 2016 and helped to bring in producers including Shonda Rhimes and Kenya Barris, though the pair has since left for Netflix. The moves Wednesday represent the biggest shakeup in the TV department since Disney closed its $71.3 billion of 21st Century Fox’s film and TV assets.

Previously, most of the major departures came on the film side.

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