Disney Publishing Worldwide

Disney Publishing Worldwide
Name	Disney Publishing Worldwide
Foundation	0 1991
Location	Glendale, California, U.S.
Key people	Stephanie Young (President)
Industry	Publishing
Products	Books, Magazines, Digital media
Parent	The Walt Disney Company
Homepage	www.disneypublishing.com

Contents

History
Imprints and divisions
Products and publications
Global operations
Key people
See also

Disney Publishing Worldwide. It is the world's largest children's publishing brand, operating as a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The division manages a vast portfolio of print and digital content across more than 85 countries, leveraging iconic franchises from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and National Geographic. Its operations encompass book publishing, magazine circulation, and digital storytelling, serving millions of readers globally.

History

The origins trace back to the early publishing activities of Walt Disney Productions, which began with the Mickey Mouse newspaper comic strip in 1930 and the launch of Walt Disney's Comics and Stories in 1940. A formal publishing division, Disney Press, was established in 1991, consolidating various publishing efforts. Significant expansion followed with the acquisition of FamilyFun magazine in 1991 and the launch of the Disney Adventures magazine. The division was renamed in the late 1990s to reflect its global scope. Major growth occurred through corporate acquisitions, including the integration of publishing for Pixar characters after The Walt Disney Company's 2006 purchase, the Marvel universe following its 2009 acquisition, and the Star Wars franchise after the 2012 purchase of Lucasfilm.

Imprints and divisions

The structure includes numerous imprints and divisions catering to different audiences and formats. Core book imprints include Disney Press, Disney-Hyperion, and Marvel Press, which publish titles based on Disney Animation, Pixar, and Marvel properties. The Disney Book Group oversees these imprints along with licensed publishing. Its magazine division, formerly known as Disney Magazines, manages titles like *Disney Princess* and partnerships with National Geographic for National Geographic Kids. Digital and learning divisions focus on e-books, apps, and educational content through platforms like Disney Digital Books and collaboration with Apple.

Products and publications

It produces a wide array of products, including picture books, chapter books, young adult novels, graphic novels, and activity books. Notable series include adaptations of films like *Frozen*, *The Lion King*, and *Moana*, as well as original middle-grade series like The Kingdom Keepers. The division also publishes magazines such as *Disney Junior* and *Phineas and Ferb*. Digital products encompass enhanced e-books, storytelling apps, and content for Disney+ and YouTube.

Global operations

With headquarters in Glendale, California, it maintains a vast international network through local offices and licensing partners. Key regional operations are located in London, Tokyo, Sydney, and Paris. It localizes content into over 75 languages, with significant markets in the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, France, and Brazil. The global strategy involves co-editions with publishers like Hachette and Penguin Random House, and retail partnerships with chains such as Barnes & Noble and WHSmith.

Key people

Leadership has included executives from both publishing and the broader Disney ecosystem. Notable figures have been Bob Iger, who oversaw its expansion as CEO, and publishing veterans like Russell Hampton, who served as President. The current President is Stephanie Young, who previously held roles at Condé Nast and Meredith Corporation. Other significant contributors include editors and creative directors who have worked with authors and illustrators across its imprints.