VR Russell Hampton Jr., has been named president of Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW). The announcement was made by Disney Consumer Products chairman Andy Mooney.
Hampton will be replacing Deborah Dugan who announced her resignation earlier this week. In this capacity, he will be responsible for overseeing DPW’s various book imprints and magazines around the world. Based in New York City, he will report to Mooney.
Mooney said, “Russell is taking over Disney Publishing at a time when its reputation for creating exciting new entertainment is flourishing. His leadership in turning Baby Einstein from a small video company to a significant multi-media infant developmental brand is well suited to overseeing DPW’s positive momentum.”
Hampton was named executive vice president of DCP’s global Home and Infant business in 2005 in addition to being general manager of The Baby Einstein Company, which he held since 2001 when The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) bought it.
“I’m honored to be given the responsibility of overseeing a division of The Walt Disney Company, which has such a rich history of extending and creating great stories for families around the globe,” said Hampton.
Disney Publishing Worldwide celebrates its 75th year in 2006 and is the largest publisher of children’s books and magazines in the world, selling 160 million books in 2005 and publishing 222 million magazine copies. DPW also publishes Family Fun magazine and the new Wondertime magazine for adults.
“The Disney treasure chest of characters and stories is much fuller today thanks to Deb’s oversight. The comic book series W.I.T.C.H. that has sold over 20 million copies and became a TV series and the creation of the Disney Fairies franchise are just two examples of Deb’s legacy at Disney Publishing,” said Mooney.
Previously, Hampton served as vice president of strategic planning and corporate development for TWDC. He joined TWDC in 1996 as manager of strategic planning.
Before joining Disney, Hampton was vice president of J.P. Morgan & Co. in New York.