MUMBAI: Ending its search for a replacement in place of its outgoing marketing head MT Carney, Walt Disney Co has tapped Ricky Strauss, president of Participant Media, as its new head of worldwide marketing. 

Carney, the controversial executive who joined Disney in April 2010 with no experience in the film industry, announced her resignation this week.

With the move, Disney chief Rich Ross has selected a seasoned executive who has worked on The Help, the DreamWorks and Participant-produced drama that Disney distributed in 2011 with much success.

Said Ross in a statement. "I am happy to welcome Ricky Strauss to the Walt Disney Studios family.With 25 years of industry experience, he brings a deep understanding of all aspects of the film business as well as incredible skill in branding and cutting-edge marketing. He will undoubtedly raise the studios’ creative bar as we enter 2012 and look ahead at showcasing a spectacular slate of films to audiences around the world.”

Disney had been openly seeking a replacement for Carney for months. While some insiders in the industry speculated that Carney departed simply because she was tired of the open search for a replacement, others say that War Horse‘s disappointing performance upset director Steven Spielberg and that the timing of her departure was related to his displeasure.

Disney faces big challenges in the coming months when it will release the sci-fi action adventure John Carter in March and later The Avengers based on the Marvel Comics.