Preston Padden

Preston Padden became executive vice president of government relations for The Walt Disney Company in July, 1998. Based in Washington, D.C., he works with all business units of The Walt Disney Company in their interactions with the U.S. government and those of other countries. Previously he was president, ABC Television Network. Before joining ABC in 1997, Padden was chairman and chief executive officer of American Sky Broadcasting (ASkyB), a satellite television joint venture between News Corporation and MCI. Prior to joining ASkyB, he had served as president, telecommunications and television, for News Corporation, having joined Fox Broadcasting Company in January, 1990, as senior vice president, Affiliates. Born on November 26, 1948 in Washington, D.C., he received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and his law degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.