People on the Move: Animation Vets Ramírez & Hutchison Named to VP Roles at Disney Branded TV

Disney Branded Television announced two key appointments this morning, promoting animation veteran Chris Hutchison to VP of Production and welcoming back accomplished producer Bardo Ramírez as VP of Studio Strategy & Operations.

Bardo S. Ramírez has rejoined Disney as Vice President, Studio Strategy and Operations, Disney Branded Television, to lead strategic planning, production resource management, physical delivery and workplace culture initiatives for Disney Television Animation, a creative studio of visual storytellers. He reports to David Cobb, Senior Vice President, Operations and Content Planning, Disney Branded Television.

Ramírez has extensive experience in all aspects of animation production, expertise in finance and artist collaboration, and a deep understanding of the creative process. His career includes project leadership roles in the development of creative content for theme park attractions, Broadway, media productions and retail experiences.

He was most recently co-executive producer, Universal Animation Studios (2017-21). His previous tenure at Disney spans 12 years (2004-16) in roles including executive producer of the Creative Studio at Walt Disney Imagineering, director of Production at Disneytoon Studios, and production manager/supervisor and production finance lead at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Ramírez has also produced over two dozen Broadway and off-Broadway plays and musicals, including Avenue Q, for which he won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Musical. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in economics, Ramírez is based in Burbank, California.

“It’s a joy to bring such a dynamic leader home to Disney as our television animation studio increases its output as a supplier to Disney Channels and Disney+. Bardo is renowned for his creative vision and production excellence, and yet, what impresses me the most is how he inspires others with his enormous commitment to the art form and the artists,” said Ayo Davis, President, Disney Branded Television. “I’m looking forward to all that Bardo and the TV Animation team will accomplish together.”

Chris Hutchison has been promoted to Vice President, Production at Disney Branded Television and will now oversee the production management of its powerhouse Disney Junior-branded content, the centerpiece of Disney’s efforts to serve preschoolers with great stories and characters via imaginative, learning-focused series, shorts and movies. He reports to Sarah Finn, Senior Vice President, Production, Disney Television Animation.

Hutchison, who joined Disney in 2009, has deep production experience across multiple animation mediums. He leads a team of production management executives and 200 production employees and artists, fostering innovation and collaboration while increasing quality and enhancing productivity in all aspects of animation production from the earliest stages of the show concept to delivery. In addition, he provides production guidance and leadership for multiple production co-partners around the world. Among the many productions he’s overseen during his tenure are the award-winning series Doc McStuffins, Muppet Babies and several Mickey & Minnie Mouse programs.

Hutchison was most recently Executive Director, Production, Disney Television Animation (2020-22) and previously Senior Manager, Production (2015-20). In these roles, he oversaw production on multiple Disney Junior animated series and also Big City Greens for Disney Channel. Earlier, he was Senior Manager, Production, Disney Channels Worldwide (2012-15) and Manager, Production (2009-12), both roles in which he oversaw production on multiple original animated productions, co-productions and acquired content for Disney Junior, Disney Channel and Disney XD and original live-action productions for Disney Channel.

“This promotion acknowledges Chris’ contribution to our entire organization and his high aptitude for strategic planning, analytical and practical execution on a multitude of simultaneous projects,” said Meredith Roberts, Senior Vice President/General Manager, Television Animation, Disney Branded Television. “His experience in the animation industry across multiple media environments and his talent, expertise and energy helps us provide the leadership to enhance all aspects of our work.”

Prior to Disney, Hutchison held producer roles at Wild Canary Media Inc. (2008-09) and ka-chew! inc./Klasky Csupo Commercials (2003-08), working in CG, traditional 2D, Flash, live-action and motion graphics mediums on commercials, promos, graphics packages, main titles and print ads for clients, including Disney. He began his animation career as a production assistant/coordinator at Klasky Csupo, Inc. (1998-2003).

Disney Branded Television is a provider of original content for Disney+ and Disney Channels with a primary focus on imaginative, aspirational stories geared towards kids, tweens, teens and families. Disney Television Animation studio produces The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Monsters at Work, Alice’s Wonderland Bakery, Big City Greens, Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, The Ghost and Molly McGee, The Owl House, Amphibia, Minnie’s Bow-Toons and the upcoming Primos, Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and Firebuds.