Disney names new top lobbyist

Disney has promoted Richard Bates to run its government relations operations in Washington.

Bates will replace Preston Padden, who will have been with the company for nearly 30 years when he retires next year. Padden plans to become a senior fellow and adjunct professor at University of Colorado Law School.

Bates, who has served as Padden's No. 2, has been with Disney for 19 years. Before joining Disney, he was executive director for the Democratice Congressional Campaign Committee.

His promotion ends speculation that Bates would replace Dan Glickman, who stepped down as head of the Motion Picture Association of America. Bob Pisano has been named interim CEO while MPAA searches for a replacement.