The Walt Disney Company announced today that it has found its replacement for Anne Sweeney, who announced earlier this month that she’s stepping down as co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group.

Taking over the position will be ABC News President Ben Sherwood, who begins the transition immediately, the company said. Sherwood will continue to oversee ABC News until his successor is found, the company noted.

Sherwood "successfully steered ABC News to new heights over the past several years, including driving ‘Good Morning America’ to #1, brokering a landmark partnership with Yahoo to create the #1 news and information online network, and launching Fusion, a joint venture news and lifestyle network with Univision," the company said in its announcement.

The release adds that Sherwood "will assume the title of co-chairman, Disney Media Networks, and president, Disney/ABC Television Group, on February 1, 2015. Anne Sweeney, Co-Chair, Disney Media Networks, and President, Disney/ABC Television Group, will remain in that capacity through January 2015."

John Skipper is the other co-chairman of Disney Media Networks, and is also president of ESPN Inc. The company did not mention Skipper in its announcement.

Please click here to read the full press release from Disney announcing Sherwood’s appointment.

Ben Sherwood