According to Variety, Geoff Morrell, currently the executive vice president of communications and advocacy at oil and gas company bp will be assuming the role of communications chief for The Walt Disney Company.

Morrell will be replacing Zenia Mucha, who after nearly two decades as the chief communications officer, will be stepping down at the end of this year. In addition, Morrell will also be assuming government relations duties from Alan Braverman, currently chief counsel and senior executive vice president. That role has been under the company’s chief counsel office. Braverman is also departing Disney at the end of the year along with executive chairman and former Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Assuming the role starting 24 January 2022, according to Disney, Morrell will have oversight of Corporate Communications, Global Public Policy, Government Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Environmental, Social and Governance teams. He will report directly to Disney CEO Bob Chapek.

Currently, Morrell is in London running bp’s group communications and external affairs. Previously, he led bp America’s communications and government relations teams.

“In this unique time of industry disruption and social change, it is more important than ever that our consumers, communities, employees, and shareholders understand who we are and what we stand for,” Mr. Chapek said in a press release. “At the same time, the spheres of communications, corporate governance, social responsibility, government relations, and public policy are increasingly interconnected and require a focused, coordinated approach. Geoff is a seasoned, insightful, and accomplished public affairs officer, and I am delighted to appoint him to this new role, where he will build on Disney’s already strong reputation.”

Prior to working at bp, from 2004 to 2007, Morrell worked for the Disney Company as the White House correspondent at ABC News. He then served as the chief spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense in the Bush and Obama administrations until 2011. For his service to both administrations he was awarded the Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the highest honor the Department of Defense can give to a political appointee.

“This is a homecoming of sorts. After four years in government and 10 years with bp, I am thrilled to be coming back to the company where I began my career,” said Mr. Morrell, who will also hold the title of Senior Executive Vice President. “I started off as a journalist, but return to take on an exciting new role. I look forward to helping Bob Chapek and his talented team engage with our stakeholders around the world. Given the tremendous change underway in the industry and Bob’s ambitious plans for Disney, it is imperative that we proactively share the story of Disney’s evolution. Few companies are as beloved as Disney, and I am committed to doing everything I can to make sure it remains that way.”