Word is coming out that Adam Sanderson will be departing The Walt Disney Company, leaving vacant the position of head of D23 and the Walt Disney Archives.
Adam Sanderson was named head of these two fan focused divisions just over two years ago following the departure of founding D23 executive Steven Clark. Prior to moving to the Corporate Communications department Mr. Sanderson served as senior vice president, franchise management of Disney/ABC Television Group, where he was responsible for launching, building and sustaining franchises for Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Radio Disney, ABC Family, ABC Entertainment Group, and ABC Daytime. Previously, he served as senior vice president, brand marketing of Disney Channels Worldwide.
Despite the leadership change, D23 will continue with the latest issue of their magazine soon to be released and the dates of the 2017 Expo being revealed soon (perhaps as early as next week at the annual shareholder meeting).
UPDATE: We have just been informed that the dates for the 2017 Expo may not be shared at next week’s shareholder meeting.
While Sanderson’s leadership has received mixed reviews from fans, it will be interesting to see who leads the fan club into the future and into the post-Iger world.