Entertainment

Erin Barrier Appointed Senior Vice President of Communications at The Walt Disney Studios

authorBy John Lasseter

DateMar 20, 2026

Read time3 min

This article announces the significant promotion of Erin Barrier within The Walt Disney Company. It details her new responsibilities as Senior Vice President of Communications for The Walt Disney Studios, highlighting her extensive experience and leadership in previous roles within the company's corporate communications and consumer products divisions.

Elevating Storytelling Through Strategic Communication

A New Chapter: Erin Barrier's Ascent to Senior Vice President

Erin Barrier, a seasoned professional with a long tenure at Disney, has been elevated to the pivotal position of Senior Vice President of Communications for The Walt Disney Studios. This advancement recognizes her substantial contributions and strategic vision within the company's dynamic communications landscape.

Shaping Global Narratives: Overseeing Diverse Production Brands

In her enhanced capacity, Ms. Barrier will be instrumental in formulating and executing comprehensive global communication strategies across Disney's vast array of renowned production studios. This encompasses iconic entities such as Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm, alongside 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures. Her purview also extends to the Disney Theatrical Group and the Disney Music Group, ensuring a unified and impactful message across the entertainment conglomerate.

Transitioning Leadership: Filling a Key Executive Role

Ms. Barrier's appointment follows the promotion of Paul Roeder, who previously held this role and was recently appointed as the company's chief communications officer by the new Disney CEO, Josh D'Amaro. This seamless transition underscores the company's commitment to fostering talent from within and maintaining strong leadership in its communications department.

A Legacy of Expertise: Barrier's Distinguished Disney Career

With a distinguished career spanning 13 years at Disney, Ms. Barrier brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as the Vice President of Communications for The Walt Disney Studios, where she adeptly managed corporate communications and played a crucial role in various high-profile campaigns. Her deep understanding of the company's operations and brands will be invaluable in her expanded responsibilities.

Driving Brand Engagement: Successes in Consumer Products Communication

Prior to her roles within the studio's communications, Ms. Barrier led communications for Disney's consumer products division. In this capacity, she spearheaded successful campaigns for major initiatives including the Frozen Fan Fest, Star Wars: Force Friday, Pixar Fest, and Black Panther: Welcome to Wakanda. Her proven ability to connect with audiences and amplify brand messages demonstrates her strategic prowess and innovative approach to communication.

Foundational Journey: From Golin to Disney's Executive Ranks

Erin Barrier initiated her professional journey at Golin, a prominent public relations firm, where she steadily advanced to the position of senior account supervisor. She subsequently joined Disney in 2012, commencing a remarkable ascent through various leadership roles. Ms. Barrier is an alumna of San Diego State University, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a supplementary focus on political science, providing a strong academic foundation for her successful career in corporate communications.

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Erin Barrier has been elevated to Senior Vice President of Communications for The Walt Disney Studios. In her new role, she will lead the global communications strategy across all of Disney's production entities, including Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures, as well as the Disney Theatrical Group and Disney Music Group. This promotion comes as Paul Roeder transitions to Chief Communications Officer for Disney.

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