Change can be good, especially when it means a promotion and the chance to be the latest Disney prince in shining armor.

Hammond native and Disney veteran biz whiz Bob Chapek, 50, has graduated to a new high-profile position after The Walt Disney Studios announced Wednesday a restructuring of the studio's marketing, distribution and operations divisions.

Chapek, a 1977 graduate of Clark High School in Hammond, now is the president of distribution for the studio. He will be "responsible for developing distribution strategy and overseeing the delivery of all motion pictures and television content, across the theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, pay TV, digital formats, and other new media," according to a Disney news release.

In his previous role as president of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Chapek led the organization to record-setting performances on titles as diverse as "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," "The Lion King" and "Finding Nemo."

Additionally, he has played a key role in the commercialization of Disney’s live-action and animated direct-to-video business, such as sequels to Classic Disney movie franchises and the development of the "Air Buddies" live action movie franchise.

His official business biography provided by The Walt Disney Studios also describes Chapek as "a visionary on technological issues, and overseeing the development of various new technologies."

Wednesday's announcement comes just three days after Disney marketing chief Mark Zoradi abruptly resigned following a weak Nov. 6 opening for "A Christmas Carol." The 3-D film starring Jim Carrey grossed $30 million for the opening weekend, yet it cost more than $175 million in production and marketing.

The company is scheduled to report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings Thursday.

Rich Ross, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, praised Chapek's dedication to Disney.

"Bob Chapek has been at the forefront of new technology for many years and has the expertise and track record to guide and consolidate our future distribution efforts," Ross said.

Chapek, who earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University and a master's degree in business administration from Michigan State University, first worked for Amoco in Chicago.

"Coming from Hammond, the first thing you consider when thinking about a career is not necessarily working for Disney in Hollywood," Chapek said in a 2006 interview with The Times.

"On the other hand, somebody has to do that job, and why not me?"