Thomas Schumacher, the long-serving executive who was key to Walt Disney Co.’s success on Broadway, is stepping down this month, the company said Wednesday.

The producer joined Disney 38 years ago and led animation for several years as he began building the company’s theatrical unit, ultimately shepherding such juggernauts as “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman announced the departure of Schumacher, who serves as Disney Theatrical Group’s chief creative officer, in an email to staff, calling it “the end of an era.” Schumacher “helped build our stage business from the ground up,” Bergman said.

“Through the years, Disney Theatrical Group has grown to be such an important part of how we bring Disney storytelling to the worl

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