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EXCLUSIVE: Mark Zoradi, Walt Disney Moton Pictures Group President who oversaw marketing and distribution for the U.S. and international and therefore one of the most powerful execs in that field in the world,, is out. He’s been associated with Disney for 29 years. He was a close pal of ousted Dick Cook’s and now the new Walt Disney Studios boss Rich Ross gets to pick his own person.
UPDATE: Here is Mark Zoradi’s statement to his group:
Dear Team:
I am stepping down from my role as President of The Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group effective immediately. Adequately communicating my thoughts and feelings to the teams of people I have admired and worked so close with seems an impossible task.
Since beginning with the Company to help start our Home Video group in 1980, to the launch of the Disney Channel, the development of our TV syndication business, the birth of our international theatrical self distribution effort, and our world wide theatrical group, I have truly enjoyed my time at the Studio. Many milestones were achieved and hurdles overcome and I am so proud to have been a part of such an outstanding group of people. That is what I will always cherish and fondly remember the most……the people, relationships, and friends. It was a magical time at Disney, driven by the most dedicated and talented team of individuals.
I most sincerely wish each of you the very best.
Mark
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I used to work for him at BVI… Really good guy. Wondering what the reasons are for his departure…
Same here, worked at BVI back in the 90′s as a junior staff, and Mark was kind enough to sit and talk with me for 15 minutes when I visited LA, and he extended the professional courtesy that was rare in the trade after learning I was leaving for a competitor. A true gentleman and a professional executive who will be missed by colleagues and competitors alike…
They had to blame someone for Carol opening soft
The witchhunt for dick cook’s people is on. Sad days at the house of mickey. Goes to prove that more and more corporate administrators don’t work for the corporation’s interests but for their own personal agendas, placing cronies and yes-men in places where competent professionals are needed. This starts to look like the bush administration.
I used to work for him at BVI… Really good guy. Wondering what the reasons are for his departure…
Meet the new regime. No reason to keep the old regime.
Also, a former Buena Vista employee, and glad they pushed him out. He was too comfortable there, and with his knowledge, experience and taste, he should’ve been running the joint or another joint a long time ago.
I’ve worked with him in the past as well. He’s exactly the kind of person you’d expect to be at Disney: Upstanding, generous, kind, smart, and thoughtful. Sad to see so many great people leaving Disney.
I remember Mark from my time at Disney Character Voices, International. Though I was but low-level coordinator, the man always spoke to me whenever I saw him.
What a nice guy. And truly, the end of an era.
I remember Mark during my time at Disney Character Voices, International. Though I was only a low-level coordinator, the man always said hi to me.
What a nice guy. Truly the end of an era.
i second The Dude – Mark is a really nice guy, as was Dick. Here’s to the new Disney regime. May they be more nice Selena Gomez than slutty and catty Myley…
Rich Ross….go get em. The movie business is fat and bloated. It’s in desperate need of a major cleanse. Nice work thus far.
The debacle that is A Christmas Carol has had quite an impact on the company. It was a very expensive film, released too early, with some of the worst reviews of any major expensive film in ages. Zemeckis is a nasty guy who hates interaction with people, and the now slowly departing Disney Gang had blessed this egomaniac’s expensive adventures. A friend made a great comment to me last night after seeing the film–they said how terrific it could have been as a live action film with all those great stars, Carrey, Oldman, Hoskins, etc. This is very true! And if would have cost a third of the amount!It will be amazing to see who next will back one of these motion capture adventures. A very expensive film that is released too too early and under performs….hhmmmmmmmm…..I wonder who is responsible for this one.
At the Mouse House, two weeks’ notice to terminated employees seems unnecessary. At least to CEO Iger.
Has a replacement for Ross at the Disney Channel been named?
@The Dude He said “Adequately communicating my thoughts and feelings to the teams of people I have admired and worked so close with seems an impossible task”. I would guess that is reason enough to leave.
Mark is a class act all the way. I’m not surprised to see him exit following Dick Cook’s departure. But, it’s a loss for Disney.
this is really sad and shocking news. Mark is an excellent leader and visionary. Disney and Iger should look at their own mistakes – ousters are not the solution.
Really a reflection on Bob Iger and what a disasterous decision that was to replace Dick Cook
How are Disney shareholders benefited by the change now of the two top managers at this important division? Highly impressive longterm stability is now completely lost.
Rich’s great decisions so far? Kill Miramax and now replace Mark Zoradi.
But at least instead of Johnny Depp Disney can now feature Zac Ephron.
From the outside it looks pretty simople.
A Xmas Carol is going to be one of the greatest disasters in Disney history and Dick Cook payed the price for another debarcle. Zoradi was too close to Dick and had to go so deep changes can follow.
It’s a purge of Cook people. Not that complicated, nor is it deserved.
Looks like a guy who knew what he was doing, but is being kicked to the curb because of his age. Disney is pure evil… if the children only knew.
It had nothing to do with his age.
Good riddance–when is Oren out?
is Disney seeming ESPECIALLY evil lately?
Having known him for three decades, I will say (as I’m confident anyone who knows him can attest) that Mark Zoradi is without question one of the most intellectually gifted and at the same time compassionate and thoroughly decent people to ever grace this earth, much less Tinseltown.
Always a class act.
There’s a reason we call it Mous-schwitz.
Really a stand up guy. He would actually tell you the truth when it would be more expeditious not to. Very unusual for a guy in that position. Maybe that’s why they offed him.