Veteran Walt Disney Studios executive Cathleen Taff will be named executive vice president of theatrical distribution, replacing current theatrical executive Dave Hollis when he steps down in May, the studio announced Monday.
Taff has worked for 24 years at Disney, with her positions including Head of Integrated Planning and Franchise Management, where she worked on promoting Disney’s brands across all departments of The Walt Disney Company. She was also Disney Music Group as SVP/General Manager from 2009-2013 and SVP/Controller of Walt Disney Studios from 2003-2008.
Hollis will step down following the global release of “Avengers: Infinity War,” which will open in all markets on April 27. Taff and Hollis will work together during the transition, after which Hollis will move to Texas to serve as CEO for Chic Media, a creative agency and producer of female-focused content founded by Hollis’ wife, Rachel Hollis.
Hollis has spent 17 years at Disney, including the last seven as head of global distribution. During Hollis’ time as distribution chief, Disney has grossed $14.6 billion in domestic theatrical revenue, and has released 12 films that have grossed over $1 billion worldwide, including “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which became only the third film in movie history to gross over $2 billion globally.
