LPWire: David Caouette Joins Disney as VP, Corporate Communications

David Caouette Joins Disney as VP, Corporate Communications

David Caouette has joined The Walt Disney Company corporate communications office as vice president, it was announced today by Zenia Mucha, senior vice president, Corporate Communications. He brings to Disney more than 20 years of experience in the public relations industry. In his new role, Mr. Caouette will participate in developing and executing the communications strategies for various issues and initiatives, including financial reporting, legislative and regulatory issues, corporate reputation management and executive communications. Mr. Caouette also will work closely with Disney's businesses, including Parks and Resorts, Media Networks, Consumer Products and Studio Entertainment.

Mr. Caouette joins Disney from AT&T Wireless where he served as vice president, Corporate Media and Financial Communications. In this capacity, he oversaw corporate media relations, executive communications, and strategic and financial communications activities. During his tenure, Mr. Caouette successfully executed AT&T Wireless' global media strategy as the company considered its strategic alternatives in early 2004. He directed media relations leading to AT&T Wireless' $41 billion merger with Cingular Wireless, which was the largest all-cash merger in U.S. history.

"David's financial communications expertise, familiarity with the high tech sector and senior advisory roles are valuable assets to Disney. We are pleased that he will utilize his strategic skills and media relations experiences to enhance our existing communications efforts," said Mucha.

From 1998-2001, Mr. Caouette worked for AT&T as financial communications director. He served as a primary spokesperson for several major announcements, including AT&T Wireless' initial public offering, the closing of AT&T's $48 billion merger with TCI and AT&T's $62 billion offer for MediaOne. Prior to joining AT&T, Mr. Caouette was director of corporate communications at AT&T Capital. From 1994-98 he directed all corporate public relations activities, counseled senior executives at AT&T Capital's 12 business units and served as chief spokesperson.

Mr. Caouette worked for GE Capital from 1989-1994, during which he developed external communications strategies for the Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, a leading bond insurer.

Mr. Caouette began his career with UNUM Life Insurance as a manager of employee communications where he executed all internal communications efforts and directed public relations activities for several of UNUM's business units. He earned a bachelor's degree, with distinction, in 1983 from the University of Maine and is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators and the National Investor Relations Institute.

--Posted May 23, 2005
Source: Walt Disney Company