Disney Publicity Chief Sewell to Retire in 2025 After 33 Years

In a move that will mark the end of an era, Michelle Sewell, the Executive Vice President of Global Publicity for The Walt Disney Studios, has announced her plans to retire in April 2025 after 33 years with the company. Sewell, who currently reports to Asad Ayaz, the Chief Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company and President of Disney Entertainment Marketing, will be working on a transition plan with Ayaz and the PR team over the next few months before her official departure.

During her illustrious tenure, Sewell has overseen worldwide PR strategy for theatrical and streaming titles under the Disney Live Action, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and 20th Century Studios banners. She has spearheaded strategic campaigns for 11 of the top 20 all-time highest-grossing films worldwide, including Marvel's Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame, as well as 20th Century Studios' upcoming Avatar: Fire & Ash.

Sewell's achievements extend beyond box office success, as she has also supervised countless awards campaigns, garnering over 85 Oscar and 80 Emmy nominations, resulting in over 15 Emmy wins for Disney+ and 28 Academy Awards for the company. She takes particular pride in the rare Best Picture nominations for animated features like Up and Toy Story 3, as well as the groundbreaking Best Picture nomination for Black Panther, the first superhero movie to receive such recognition.