Geoff Morrell, the Chief Corporate Officer for Disney, has stepped down only three months into his role, as the company is embroiled in political battles in Florida.
Morrell became the first person appointed to the CCO role, in which he oversaw “communications, government relations, public policy, philanthropy and environmental issues” on behalf of the Californian entertainment giant. He had previously served as the Pentagon’s Press Secretary under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
“After three months in this new role, it has become clear to me that for a number of reasons it is not the right fit,” Morrell said in an email to staff. “After talking this over with Bob, I have decided to leave the company to pursue other opportunities,” he added. “I wish him, each of you and everyone at Disney the very best.”
A second email seen by the press from Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek, also informed staff that Morrell was leaving the company to “pursue other opportunities,” using the exact same language.
The email also detailed that the role would be split up, with Kristina Schake as Exectuive Vice President taking over communications, and government relations and public policy being handed off to the General Counsel, Horacio Gutierrez.
Morrell’s resignation follows a tumultuous few months at the House of Mouse, after Disney become embroiled in a battle with the Florida state government over the “Anti-Grooming” bill, designed to protect children from inappropriate sexual content in schools.
At the end of March, Disney released a statement condemning Florida for its new parental rights law, demanding that the bill be repealed by the legislature or defeated in the courts. Disney stressed that it remains “committed to supporting left wing political organizations seeking to dismantle the law.
As a result, the corporation was stripped of its private government body, the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which houses Disney World in Orlando. The move will likely lead to heavier tax burdens for Disney in future.
