A senior The Walt Disney Company executive is stepping down after more than two decades with the entertainment giant. Leo Aranguibel will officially leave his position on February 22, 2026, Variety exclusively reports.
20-Year Disney Career Comes to an End
Aranguibel joined The Walt Disney Company in 2005 and currently serves as vice president and head of production, operations, and strategy for The Walt Disney Company Latin America. After over 20 years with Disney, Aranguibel announced he's departing to take a break and explore other opportunities.
“This is something I have been considering for quite a while. In fact, it was almost two years ago when I first consulted our HR Head about it, and recent structure adjustments in our organization have sped this step up,” Aranguibel explained. “I've been with Disney for 20-plus years, not only in Latin America, but also covering EMEA [Europe, the Middle East, and Africa] and the U.S. Hispanic market as well for almost a decade, so it's evident that it's time for a change.”
The executive indicated he's not committed to retirement but doubts he'll pursue major business ventures going forward.
“I'm not sure if this is my last stop, but as of today, I'm inclined to believe it is,” Aranguibel told Variety. “Of course, I will remain involved in several creative initiatives, individually as well as alongside family, colleagues and friends. Still, I'm a never-say-never type of guy.”
The Walt Disney Company hasn't announced Aranguibel's replacement.
Industry Impact and Notable Productions
Aranguibel famously coined the term “Superseries” to describe local adaptations of popular shows—a word that became an industry standard. He produced Latin American versions of Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy, as well as several biographical series, including Hasta que te conoci, Selena's Secret, and Monzon: A Knockout Blow. His Disney productions include Santa Evita and The Boss.
“I feel extremely proud of my career as a whole, and of having been part of teams that led the pace and changes in our region for more than 15 years in a row, with historical achievements,” Aranguibel said. “As we Venezuelans say, ‘Nadie nos puede quitar lo bailado' – which means, ‘Nobody can take what we have danced away from us.'”
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