Veteran television executive Leonardo Aranguibel is stepping down from his role at Disney Latin America on February 22, concluding a remarkable two-decade tenure. His departure marks a pivotal moment for the entertainment giant's regional operations, particularly as the company undergoes significant structural realignments in the wake of the passing of former president Diego Lerner. Aranguibel leaves behind a legacy of innovation, having played a crucial role in shaping Latin America's scripted series landscape and driving Disney's foray into high-quality social issue biopics.
Esteemed Television Executive Leonardo Aranguibel Announces Departure from Disney Latin America
In an exclusive announcement made on January 19, 2026, industry titan Leonardo Aranguibel revealed his decision to exit The Walt Disney Company Latin America. His departure, effective February 22, 2026, comes after an illustrious career where he served as the production VP and head of production, operations & strategy for the region. Aranguibel, a figure of immense influence, was instrumental in spearheading the local adaptations of globally renowned series such as "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey’s Anatomy," which became major successes for Disney in Latin America. Furthermore, he championed Disney's commitment to producing premium biopics that addressed significant social issues, exemplified by critically acclaimed productions like "Selena's Secret" and "Monzón."
Aranguibel's journey with Disney began in 2005, following an impressive career that included a tenure at Venezuela's RCTV, where he directed numerous international telenovela productions. He also oversaw production for YATV, a joint venture involving Warner Music and HBO, marking his entry into the international television arena. As VP of original productions at HBO Hispanic Americas & Brazil from 1995 to 2001, he developed groundbreaking franchises. After relocating to the U.S. in 2002, he worked as a freelance writer, director, and producer for People & Arts and Discovery Networks before leading the studio production of NBC-Telemundo’s hit telenovela “Prisionera” in 2004.
During his time at Disney, Aranguibel not only propelled the success of "Superseries" but also executive produced hit shows like the Juan Gabriel bio series "Hasta que te conoci," for which he also contributed as a screenwriter and director for several episodes. This success paved the way for a surge in biopics, with Aranguibel executive producing other notable series such as "Santa Evita" and "The Boss." He also played a key role in the production of seven seasons of the multi-Emmy-winning adventure reality series "The Amazing Race" in the region, acting as a consultant for its international adaptations in European and Middle Eastern countries.
Aranguibel expressed immense pride in his career, stating, "Nobody can take what we have danced away from us," a Venezuelan idiom reflecting his satisfaction with his achievements. His decision to leave had been contemplated for a considerable period, with recent organizational adjustments within Disney accelerating his move. While acknowledging the potential for a break, he indicated his intention to remain involved in creative initiatives, underscoring his passion for the industry.
The departure of a figure as influential as Leonardo Aranguibel from Disney Latin America is undoubtedly a significant event, marking the end of an era defined by innovative content and regional production excellence. His vision in localizing global hits and championing high-quality, socially relevant biopics has left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape of Latin America. As Disney continues to centralize its operations, moving towards direct reporting to Burbank, it will be intriguing to observe how the company navigates this transition and builds upon the foundation laid by executives like Aranguibel. For Aranguibel himself, this new chapter promises fresh opportunities for creative exploration and collaboration, hinting that his contributions to the world of television are far from over. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact a dedicated and visionary leader can have on an entire industry.
