Disney Consumer Products Names Anne Gates Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Europe

Anne Gates has been appointed to the newly created position of executive vice president and managing director of Disney Consumer Products Europe, it was announced today by Andy Mooney, chairman, Disney Consumer Products (DCP). Gates will oversee all DCP merchandise licensing, retail, sales and marketing, and support functions for the region. Gates will also have coordinating responsibility for Disney Store, Europe to maximize the licensing business. She will report to Andy Mooney and will be based in London.

"We are committed to providing families around the world with an unparalleled experience through an array of merchandise that extends Disney's magic into the home," said Mooney. "With her strong leadership and impressive accomplishments during her 15-year tenure with Disney, there is no better person than Anne to lead the region and realize our goals."

As executive vice president and managing director, Gates will drive coordination within DCP and facilitate collaboration and decision making with other Disney businesses in the region. DCP maintains offices in virtually every country in Europe with regional headquarters in London.

"This is an exciting time to be at Disney with the vast amount of wonderful entertainment coming from all divisions," said Gates. "Europe is a dynamic market in which DCP still has potential for growth with new franchises and retail initiatives. I'm honored to be given this opportunity and look forward to working with the team in spearheading efforts."

Gates joined Disney in 1992 as a senior manager for Operations and Planning. In 1993, she was promoted to vice president, Division Finance and Planning and was named vice president, Planning and Business Development at Disney Interactive Studios in 1997. Following an assignment as vice president, Operations Planning at Disney's corporate division, Gates was promoted to senior vice president and named DCP's chief financial officer. She was promoted again to executive vice president in 2001, leading DCP's finance and accounting functions, budgetary and strategic planning reviews, the division's information technology function and overseeing emerging markets.

Prior to joining Disney, Gates worked for PepsiCo. Her roles included a position as manager, Business Development for KFC International, based in London, for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Gates received a bachelor of arts in mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley and a master of science in operations research from Columbia University.

Gates, who is currently based in Glendale, CA, will make the physical transition to London with her family before June.