David Stainton has been upped from his current position of executive vice president to president, Walt Disney Television Animation. Stainton's responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day operations for the division's animated television series and specials, Disney video premieres and February theatrical features (sequels like RETURN TO NEVER LAND). He continues to report to Thomas Schumacher, head of Walt Disney Television Animation and Walt Disney Feature Animation, in his new position. Stainton joined The Walt Disney Company in 1989 as a manager of special projects for Walt Disney Pictures and Television. In 1991, he joined the Feature Animation department where he rose up through the ranks. As vice president of creative affairs, he built up the animation development department during a period of great growth. In January 1998, Stainton was named senior vice president of creative affairs for Walt Disney Feature Animation where he was charged with overseeing Disney's animation studio in Paris. While at Walt Disney Feature Animation, he helped guide such films as THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, HERCULES, DINOSAUR and TARZAN. He returned to Burbank in January 2000 to head up Walt Disney Television Animation as executive vice president.
