Disney has shuffled its executive pack following the merging of its digital media and videogames units.

Last month Disney combined Walt Disney Internet Group with Disney Interactive Studios to create a new division, Disney Interactive Media Group.

According to a memo obtained by paidContent, DIMG president Steve Wadsworth has now outlined plans to make a number of executive changes as the new division takes shape under two lines of business.

“In an effort to provide greater coordination on global content and global business execution, we will be operating under two global lines of business: Disney Interactive Studios (DIS) and Disney Online (DOL),” said Wadsworth.

Disney Interactive Studios will focus on developing and publishing games on console, PC, handheld and mobile devices, while Disney Online will focus on the company’s global web properties, including the development and operation of virtual worlds.

As part of the restructuring, Mark Handler will retire as head of WDIG International after 24 years with Disney, although he has agreed to stay on for the next six months, while Graham Hopper and Paul Yanover will run DIS and DOL respectively on a global basis.

Cindy Rose will run DIMG in the EMEA region, while Thierry Braille will continue to be responsible for DIS in the region.

Club Penguin co-founder Lane Merrifield will head all virtual worlds development and operations as part of DOL.

“We are organizing around the global development of interactive media products and content with the ability to focus on local distribution and local content requirements,” said Wadsworth.

“In addition, we will be poised to take advantage of continued convergence between the game console platforms and the online/mobile platforms as technologies and consumer behavior rapidly evolve.

“We are positioning ourselves to maximize the upcoming opportunities and putting the organization on the path to accelerate significant long term growth.”