Top Business Exec at Disney’s Studio Division Is Promoted

* Walt Disney Co. promoted Rob Moore, the top business executive for its Walt Disney Studios division, to executive vice president of operations and finance.

The promotion reflects the increasingly important role Moore has played at the studio since he was elevated three years ago to executive vice president and chief financial officer, his most recent title.

Moore, 37, oversees business and operations activities for the Burbank-based company’s film, feature animation, TV animation, video, music, stage, “Wonderful World of Disney” television production and Miramax Films units. The studio division is headed by Chairman Joe Roth and President Peter Schneider.

As part of the promotion, Dean Hallett, senior vice president of planning and control, will assume a number of the financial duties Moore previously handled.

* Jim Ritts, chief executive of Digital Entertainment Network Inc., has been named to the additional post of chairman of the Santa Monica-based youth-oriented Internet entertainment programmer.

Michael Spindler

* Deloitte & Touche, a professional services firm, has appointed Michael Spindler partner in charge of forensic and investigative services in Southern California and Nevada. He will be based at the firm’s Los Angeles office. Spindler previously was in charge of business fraud and investigations at a rival firm.

* Woodland Hills-based Turbodyne Technologies Inc., a maker of pollution control and performance enhancement products for internal combustion engines, has appointed Joseph D. Castano chief financial officer. He replaces Khal Kader, who resigned to pursue other opportunities.

* Melissa Schumer has joined Ruder Finn/Los Angeles as a senior vice president and will be in charge of developing and overseeing the communications consultancy’s new consumer and technology group. She previously worked as a vice president at Sega GameWorks.