President Obama Names Director of Walt Disney Co. John E. Bryson as Commerce Secretary

May 31, 2011 | John E. Bryson, a member of the board of directors at Walt Disney Company since 2000 and senior advisor to private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, was nominated by President Obama on May 31 as Commerce Secretary.

As previously reported in Toy News Tuesday, the position was formerly held by Gary Locke, who will now serve as U.S. ambassador to China.

Former chairman of the board and chief executive officer of California-based power company Edison International, Bryson will be charged with growing U.S. exports and promoting American business and American products around the world.

In a White House announcement made today, Obama described Bryson as “a business leader who understands what it takes to innovate, create jobs and to persevere through tough times.” Earlier this year, Obama announced plans to streamline the Commerce Department, including how the government handles international trade issues, and sharpen its focus on making U.S. businesses more competitive.

Bryson’s full biography can be found on Walt Disney’s website.