Disney Promotes Melissa Stone to Lead Global Publicity Strategy

Walt Disney Studios has made a significant move in its marketing operations by promoting Melissa Stone to Senior Vice President of Publicity. In this role, she will oversee global publicity strategy for all studios under the company's umbrella, including Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios.

Stone's responsibilities also extend to public relations strategy for Disney+ streaming series produced by these studios. She will report directly to Martha Morrison, President of Marketing at Walt Disney Studios, who praised Stone's exceptional publicity experience and ability to lead campaigns that drive both audience engagement and cultural impact.

With over two decades of experience in the industry, Stone has spent 14 years in various publicity positions across 20th Century Fox and Disney. Prior to her promotion, she served as Vice President of Global Publicity at Walt Disney Studios. Her campaign credits include Avatar: The Way of Water, Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch and The Little Mermaid, The Martian, West Side Story, Andor, and the Planet of the Apes franchise.

Stone's promotion follows a broader restructuring of Disney's marketing operations, which includes the establishment of a new company-wide marketing leadership structure under Chief Marketing and Brand Officer Asad Ayaz. This move was part of approximately 1,000 layoffs announced in April, as the company seeks to streamline its marketing efforts.