BURBANK, Calif. and Washington, D.C., January 25, 2010 – Richard Bates has been named Senior Vice President, U.S. Government Relations for The Walt Disney Company, it was announced today by Alan Braverman, Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Bates will be responsible for Disney’s interactions with federal and state government entities and trade associations. He will assume his new position immediately and report to Mr. Braverman.

Mr. Bates is a 19-year Disney veteran. Prior to working for Disney, he served as Executive Director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.