Industry veteran Joe D’Ambrosia has been elevated from VP to SVP of original programming for Disney Junior.

In his new role, D’Ambrosia will continue to report to Disney Junior Worldwide’s EVP of original programming and GM, Nancy Kanter, and oversee production and creative development of the channel’s entertainment and learning-based TV properties including Emmy-winning series Sofia the First, Peabody Award-winning Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Sheriff Callie’s Wild West, short-form series Minnie’s Bow-Toons and recently launched Goldie & Bear.

He will also be responsible for upcoming series such as Sofia the First spin-off Elena of Avalor, which will introduce Disney’s first Latina princess; car-racing comedy Mickey and the Roadster Racers; and recently announced Vampirina, which is based on Disney Publishing’s book series Vampirina Ballerina.

D’Ambrosia joined Disney Channel in 2011 and oversaw production and development on Disney Junior’s first original movie Lucky Duck, in addition to his work on various TV series.

Prior to the Mouse House, he produced and developed children’s television programming and family films at Murray Hill 5 Productions (Astro Boy, Golden Bridges), which he co-founded with partner Tom Teves. D’Ambrosia also helped to establish Sony Pictures Family Entertainment and the family film division at Nickelodeon, where he took the lead on development and production of its first live-action feature, Harriet the Spy, and its first animated feature, Rugrats: The Movie.