Hugh’s well-earned reputation as one of the best CFOs in America and his wealth of leadership experience in both financial and operational roles overseeing a diverse portfolio of top global brands make him a perfect addition to Disney’s senior leadership team, said Robert A. Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney company
Disney appointed Hugh F. Johnston as senior executive vice president and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Walt Disney company, effective from 4 December. Johnston has a 34 year experience with PepsiCo, where he was Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer. Throughout his career, he has held multiple leadership roles.
“Hugh’s well-earned reputation as one of the best CFOs in America and his wealth of leadership experience in both financial and operational roles overseeing a diverse portfolio of top global brands make him a perfect addition to Disney’s senior leadership team,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, the Walt Disney company. Disney and its shareholders will benefit greatly from his experience as we carry out the transformative work that we are doing to spur growth and value creation, he added.
According to the media statement, Johnston will take direct orders from Iger as Disney’s Chief Financial Officer. He will oversee the company’s global finance division, which includes financial planning and analysis, investor relations, risk management, tax, and treasury, corporate real estate, corporate strategy and business development, enterprise controllership, enterprise technology, and global product and labour standards.
As of right now, Johnston holds the positions of chair of the audit committee and member of the board of both Microsoft Corp. and HCA Healthcare. In addition, the eminent international economic think tank Peterson Institute for International Economics has him on its board of directors.