Jeffrey Farnath Named Senior Vice President of Business Development and Finance for Walt Disney Feature Animation and Theatrical Productions

Business Wire, Oct 15, 1999

BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Oct. 14, 1999--

Jeffrey Farnath has been named to the post of senior vice president of business development and finance for Walt Disney Feature Animation and Walt Disney Theatrical Productions, it was announced today (10/14) by Thomas Schumacher, president of Walt Disney Feature Animation and Theatrical Productions.

In addition to supervising all areas of business development and finance, Farnath will negotiate and manage international licenses for Disney's stage-show business, oversee long-term strategic planning for Disney's animation production units and develop growth strategies for theatrical productions in both the U.S. and international markets. He will report directly to Schumacher and Walt Disney Studios executive vice president and chief financial officer Robert Moore.

Commenting on the announcement, Schumacher said, "Jeff is an extremely competent and knowledgeable executive who has proven his abilities in the international business arena. We are very fortunate to have him taking the reins of finance here in Burbank. His talents, vision and progressive attitude are an excellent match for the goals we are setting for the future of both divisions."

Farnath has been vice president of business development and finance for Buena Vista International and Buena Vista Home Entertainment in Latin America for the past four years, based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. During this time, he spearheaded the creation of eight direct-distribution companies for The Walt Disney Company and was instrumental in establishing Disney as a major player in local film production in Latin America.

Farnath joined Disney in 1990 as a senior business planner for the Walt Disney Television Animation Group. In 1991, he was promoted to manager of finance and planning for Touchstone and Walt Disney Television, where he oversaw business planning and talent deal analysis. From 1993 to 1995, he served as director of finance and planning for BVI, overseeing the expansion of Disney's theatrical distribution throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America.

A native of southern New Jersey, Farnath received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Bucknell University and his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.