Disney Publishing Worldwide Names Robert W. Hernandez Senior Vice President & General Manager of Global Magazines Division

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Disney Publishing Worldwide (NYSE: DIS) has named Robert W. Hernandez senior vice president & general manager, Global Magazines, effective January 14, 2009. The announcement was made by Russell Hampton, president, Disney Publishing Worldwide. Based in New York and reporting to Hampton, Hernandez will oversee all aspects of Disney Publishing’s global children’s magazine business.

Disney Publishing’s Global Magazines business is a leader in the children’s magazine market. The division publishes over 300 magazines which include weeklies and monthlies in 85 languages, in 49 countries, reaching more than 100 million readers on a monthly basis. The division’s portfolio of magazine titles leverages classic Disney franchises such as Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, and Princess, as well as new franchises such as High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Playhouse Disney, Tinker Bell, and Cars. The division has also introduced original concepts such as W.I.T.C.H., a weekly magazine aimed at pre-teen girls.

"Our global magazine business continues to expand and grow, especially in emerging markets as we introduce new consumers to our popular products,” commented Hampton. “Rob’s international experience leading an integrated international media business will be invaluable as we develop new editorial concepts and bring our magazines into the digital age.”

A global publishing veteran, Hernandez was most recently head of the National Geographic Society’s International Publishing and Alliances Division, which he founded in 1995. In this role, he had operational and P&L responsibility for NGS' global magazine, book, and other business, carried out in 37 languages for worldwide distribution. He worked closely with over 50 major international media companies serving as the National Geographic Society’s partners, as well as with government officials and key institutions. Along with his operational and financial responsibilities, Rob directed the creation of new editorial concepts and products and developed new marketing and distribution initiatives to ensure their success.

Prior to joining National Geographic Society, Hernandez was director, International, at Landor Associates, a leading marketing and communications consulting company. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Connecticut College.

About Disney Publishing Worldwide: Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines; with over 300 magazines published and 120 million books sold each year. DPW's business units include Global Magazines, U.S. Consumer Magazines, Disney English, and Disney Global Book Group. Disney Global Books and Global Magazines encompass a tremendous worldwide licensing structure; Disney Book Group consists of vertically integrated publishing imprints in the U.S. which includes Disney Editions, Disney-Hyperion, Disney-Jump at the Sun and Disney Press. In addition, Disney Libri, DPW's Italian vertical operation, publishes books for children of all ages. DPW's U.S. Magazines include FamilyFun, Wondertime, and Disney en Familia. In October 2008, Disney Publishing opened its first Disney English Center in Shanghai. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, Disney Publishing Worldwide publishes books and magazines in 85 languages in 75 countries, reaching more than 100 million readers each month.