In the biggest executive departure since the arrival of Rich Ross as chairman, Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group president Mark Zoradi has exited his post.

Zoradi, a 29-year Disney veteran, oversaw global marketing for the entire theatrical slate and was one of the most powerful studio executives in the field. His tenure delivered numerous $1bn-plus domestic and overseas years including an extraordinary run of 12 consecutive $1bn years at the box office during his time as president of Buena Vista International (BVI).

He was a close friend of ousted chairman Dick Cook. Ross now gets to appoint his own choice to the role after recently announcing the departure of Miramax Films president Daniel Battsek

Zoradi assumed the post of president of Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group in July 2006 after having led the studio’s international distribution and marketing arm formerly known as BVI for 14 years.    

He joined the Disney fold in 1980 as marketing manager for Walt Disney Home Video during the beginning of the home entertainment boom, eventually moving into television as marketing director for the Disney Channel.

In 1985 he entered the feature business as director of sales for Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. He was named vice-president and general manager of Buena Vista Television and from 1987 to 1992 led the rapid growth of this business unit and was responsible for ad sales, finance, administration and operations.

In 1992 Zoradi set up the stand-alone BVI, generating $16.8bn from 1995-2006.    

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