Erin Barrier Ascends: A New Era for Disney Entertainment Communications

There’s always a buzz in the entertainment world, and Disney, a true titan in the industry, certainly knows how to make headlines. The latest exciting news coming out of the House of Mouse is the well-deserved promotion of Erin Barrier. She’s officially stepping into the significant role of Executive Vice President, Communications, for Disney Entertainment. It’s a move that really solidifies her influence within the company, putting her at the helm of strategic communications for an incredibly vast and diverse portfolio of brands.

Reporting directly to Kristina Schake, who serves as the Chief Communications Officer for The Walt Disney Company, Erin's new remit is, quite frankly, enormous. Just think about it: she’ll be orchestrating the communications strategies for powerhouse entities like the Disney Television Group, the always-innovative FX, the youthful spirit of Freeform, the incredible storytelling of National Geographic, the distinctive voice of Onyx Collective, and of course, the incredibly popular streaming giants Disney+ and Hulu, alongside the broader Disney Bundle. That’s a whole lot of content, a whole lot of stories, and a whole lot of audiences to connect with – a true testament to her capabilities.

This promotion isn't some overnight phenomenon; it's the culmination of an impressive 15-year journey within the Disney ecosystem. Erin, you see, has truly grown up with the company, demonstrating remarkable dedication and an evolving understanding of its complex landscape. Her journey began way back in 2008, when she joined ABC Entertainment as a Communications Manager. It’s fascinating to track her progression from there: by 2011, she was a Director of Communications for ABC, steadily moving up the ranks.

Her hard work and strategic mind continued to shine, leading her to become Vice President of Communications for ABC Entertainment in 2017. And before this latest, well-deserved elevation, she held the vital position of Vice President, Communications, for Disney General Entertainment. Each step along the way has undoubtedly equipped her with invaluable insights into the myriad facets of Disney’s expansive content creation and distribution.

Kristina Schake herself couldn't be more thrilled about Erin's new role, expressing immense confidence in her abilities. “Erin is a phenomenal communications executive with a deep understanding of our dynamic content businesses,” Schake shared, clearly highlighting Barrier's comprehensive knowledge. “Her exemplary leadership and strategic insights make her an invaluable asset to our team and the perfect choice to lead communications for Disney Entertainment.” Those are powerful words, indicating a significant level of trust and admiration.

And Erin? Well, she’s equally enthusiastic about the challenge ahead. “I’m incredibly honored to step into this new role and contribute to the rich legacy of storytelling at Disney Entertainment,” Barrier stated. “I look forward to working alongside our incredibly talented teams to amplify our beloved brands and innovative content, connecting with audiences around the globe.” It’s a sentiment that speaks to both her humility and her excitement for the monumental task at hand, ready to continue shaping how the world perceives and connects with Disney’s endless stream of magic and entertainment.