BURBANK, Calif., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- David Stainton has been promoted to president, Walt Disney Television Animation (WDTVA), it was announced today by Thomas Schumacher, head of Walt Disney Television Animation and Walt Disney Feature Animation. Stainton's responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day operations for the division's animated television series and specials, Disney Video Premieres and February theatrical features. He continues to report to Schumacher in his new position.

"Under David's tutelage, 2001 was a landmark year for the Television Animation group with the phenomenal success of 'Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure' on video and 'Recess: School's Out' in theaters, as well as the rollout of three new animated television series," commented Schumacher. "He and his team are the busiest animation producers in the world, and having worked with David for over 10 years, I know that his fantastic creative spirit, passion, and unparalleled business skills will help us continue to break new ground. I'm thrilled to name him president."

"This is shaping up to be our strongest year ever, with the theatrical release of 'Return to Never Land' on President's Day weekend, video premieres of 'Cinderella 2,' 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2,' and '101 Dalmatians 2: Patch's London Adventure,' and three new TV series -- 'Teamo Supremo' and 'Fillmore' on ABC and 'Kim Possible' on Disney Channel," Stainton added. "This couldn't have been done without a fantastic team, led by executive vice presidents Sharon Morrill and Barry Blumberg. It's an honor and a privilege to be working with such a talented group of people on these exciting projects."

Stainton joined The Walt Disney Company in 1989 as a manager of special projects for Walt Disney Pictures and Television. In 1991, he joined the Feature Animation department where he rose up through the ranks. As vice president of creative affairs, he built up the animation development department during a period of great growth. In January 1998, Stainton was named senior vice president of creative affairs for Walt Disney Feature Animation where he was charged with overseeing Disney's animation studio in Paris. While at Walt Disney Feature Animation, he helped guide such films as "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Hercules," "Dinosaur" and "Tarzan." He returned to Burbank in January 2000 to head up Walt Disney Television Animation as executive vice president.

Stainton graduated from Princeton University in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in history and earned his MBA from Harvard in 1989.

For further information, please contact: Andrea Marozas of Walt Disney Studios, +1-818-560-4212.

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SOURCE Walt Disney Television Animation

-0- 02/26/2002