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Andy Bird

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Andrew Peter Bird CBE is a British executive. He was chairman of Walt Disney International until 2018.

Early life

Bird grew up in Warrington, England and was educated at King's School, Macclesfield.[1] In 1985, Bird gained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English language and literature at Newcastle University.

Career

Bird first started his career in broadcasting as one of Timmy Mallett's helpers on Manchester's Piccadilly Radio. He later produced the breakfast show.[2] He later moved to London working for Richard Branson's Virgin Virgin Broadcasting, working on their music television channel Music Box and satellite radio station 'Radio Radio'.[2] Next was British Satellite Broadcasting's The Power Station channel.[1]

In 1990, Bird and Chris Evans formed company Big and Good that made programmes for TVam.

Bird joined Time Warner in 1994 as senior vice president and general manager of Turner Entertainment Networks Limited. In 2000, he became president of TBS International and was responsible for all TBS broadcasting outside of the United States.[2]

Disney

In 2004, Bird joined The Walt Disney Company and has since overseen the acquisition of Hungama TV in India and investment in India's UTV. He also localizes content and has reorganized Disney's international structure and leadership ranks.[2]

Bird was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honours for services to UK media and entertainment.[3][4]

Pearson

Bird was selected as CEO of Pearson plc to replace the retiring John Fallon and will begin work on 19 October.[needs update][5]

References

  1. ^ a b "Andy Bird: Mister Mouse of Warrington". The Independent. 19 December 2005. Retrieved 14 May 2008.
  2. ^ a b c d "Corporate profiles - Andy Bird". Disney Corporate. Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 14 May 2008.
  3. ^ "No. 60173". The London Gazette (Supplement). 16 June 2012. p. 23.
  4. ^ https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jun/16/queens-birthday-honours-diplomatic?newsfeed=true
  5. ^ Pfeiffer, Thomas; Seal, Thomas (24 August 2020). "Pearson Names Ex-Disney Executive as CEO, Ending Long Search". www.msn.com. Retrieved 24 August 2020.