BURBANK, Calif., September 19, 2006 – Wesley Coleman has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), it was announced today by Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company, to whom Mr. Coleman will report. Mr. Coleman will be responsible for areas that include managing Disney’s employee communications, organizational and cultural development, employee education and development, global staffing, diversity, compensation and benefits, and employee relations. The heads of human resources in Disney’s business units will report to Mr. Coleman as well as to the senior executives of their respective business units. “Wes’s experiences in leading human resources efforts for preeminent and respected global brands in diverse and complex organizations make him an ideal fit for Disney,” said Mr. Iger. “His impressive professional accomplishments both in the United States and abroad will make him integral in developing and executing Disney’s worldwide human resources strategies and initiatives to attract, motivate and retain experienced, knowledgeable and creative employees throughout our organization.”
“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of Disney’s team and hope to continue the efforts to develop a strong, talented, and passionate organization,” said Mr. Coleman
Mr. Coleman joins Disney from Nike where he served as vice president, Global Human Resources since 2002. At Nike, Mr. Coleman was responsible for all human resources functions for Nike’s more-than 25,000 employees worldwide. His responsibilities included recruitment and staffing, compensation and benefits, training and development, diversity, and employee relations. Mr. Coleman also oversaw strategic planning for all human resources functions on a global basis. Before joining Nike, Mr. Coleman spent 20 years at SC Johnson where he served in several capacities, including vice president of human resources for Asia-Pacific, vice president of human resources for North America and regional human resources director in Europe.
Mr. Coleman is active in many local charitable organizations, especially those devoted to youth and education. He is on the boards for INROADS, Self-Enhancement, Inc (SEI) and SMART (Start Making A Reader Today). A native of Halifax, Virginia, Mr. Coleman holds a B.S. degree in business management from Hampton University and an M.B.A from University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Coleman assumes his new position on October 2, 2006.