Disney has officially hired a new Head of Global Communications — Kristina Schake, former special assistant to President Barack Obama and Communications Director for First Lady, Michelle Obama. Schake could not come into the company at a more crucial time, as Disney struggles to get back in the good graces of thousands of Cast Members and Guests. Disney has been in hot water since its response to Florida’s Parental Rights In Education Bill, which was signed into law in March by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Schake will be an Executive VP and will report directly to Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Geoff Morrell.
In confirming Schake’s new position, Morrell made the following statement:
“I could not be more pleased to welcome Kristina to Disney and to have her leading communications for the company. Her experience in the public and private sectors, in political and corporate campaigns, make her ideally suited for this important role and to help me integrate communications with government relations, public policy, and corporate social responsibility into a new Corporate Affairs team. Together with the exceptional professionals at Disney, we will help the world’s greatest storytelling company engage even more effectively with our many stakeholders around the world.”
After Morrell released his statement, Schake made a statement of her own. In it, she voiced her excitement about joining the Disney family. Schake said:
“As Disney approaches its 100th anniversary, I’m excited to lead the company’s global communications work at this pivotal moment of growth and transformation, The magical stories and experiences Disney creates enrich the lives of countless people around the world and it’s an honor for me to be a part of that, helping Bob Chapek, Geoff Morrell, and the talented teams throughout the company tell the story of Disney as it begins its second century.”
Schake began her political career in her home state of California, where she worked as a Communications Strategist for Maria Shriver — the ex-wife of former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger — the Women’s Conference, and the California Endowment’s Building Healthy Communities Initiative. She is also one of the co-founders of American Foundation for Equal Rights.
Just prior to joining Disney, Schake led the national COVID-19 vaccine education campaign for the Biden administration. She is also the former Communications Director for Instagram. In addition to working for both President Obama and President Biden, Schake has also worked for Hilary Clinton’s 2016 Presidential campaign as its Deputy Communications Director.