CALIFORNIA - News from Jan. 16, 1985

Richard T. Morrow, 59, vice president and general counsel of Walt Disney Productions for the past 16 years, has announced plans for early retirement but agreed to continue “for an unspecified period and assist during a transition.”

Morrow, 59, said in a prepared statement: “It was my request that the company consider reducing my workload and consider staff changes which would permit me to look forward to retirement. Disney has gone through a difficult period, and with the new administration I believe this is the appropriate time for a new young team to grow and plan for the future.”

No successor was named for the 32-year Disney employee, but the Burbank-based company said that an appointment is expected in the near future. Disney’s top management changed last September, along with a shift in ownership of the largest block of Disney stock.