Disney’s Long-Time Movie Executive Sean Bailey is Leaving; Company Shuffles Leadership at Troubled Film Unit

The Walt Disney Company confirmed that its veteran executive, Sean Bailey, who leads its movie business unit, is leaving. He is a long-time president of the company's film division and is stepping down after 15 years.

Disney Named Bailey's Successor

As per The Japan Times, Walt Disney said on Monday, Feb. 26, that Searchlight Picture's co-president, David Greenbaum, is taking over to succeed Bailey. He will become the new president of the Disney Live Action unit and the 20th Century Studios.

With his position at Walt Disney, Greenbaum will be responsible for some of the studio's biggest franchises, such as "Avatar" and "Planet of the Apes." At Searchlight, he served as co-president along with Matthew Greenfield, who will now lead the group solo. Before Searchlight, the new 20th Century Studios president worked for Miramax on some flicks, including "There Will Be Blood" and "No Country for Old Men."

Trouble at Disney's Film Division

The Los Angeles Times reported speculations that the leadership change was due to the recent poor performance of Disney's live-action movie unit for some of its recent projects. It was said that Bailey led the team when the studio re-made "Lion King," "The Little Mermaid," and "Beauty and the Beast" into live-action films. Still, despite the popularity of the characters, most of the films reportedly flopped as they struggled to sell tickets in overseas markets.

In any case, the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, Alan Bergman, welcomes David Greenbaum to the team by saying, "David has an incredible creative sensibility and eye for film, and he has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his track record at Searchlight Pictures and deep relationships throughout the industry. I am thrilled that he will be taking on this new and important role."

He added, "We have had the great fortune to have a strong creative leader in Steve Asbell at 20th Century, and I am excited for him to work closely with David as we take a more strategic look across both brands from a creative and operational standpoint."

Finally, at the end of this statement, Bergman thanked Sean Bailey for his contributions and outstanding leadership while leading his unit at Disney.

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