Helene Hahn Loyd, Executive With Disney and DreamWorks, Dies at 78

Helene Hahn Loyd, the executive who was part of the executive team that built DreamWorks SKG and was instrumental in Disney’s renaissance of the 1980s and ’90s, died Oct. 24 in Park City, Utah. She was 78.

Born Helene Bulakoff in Westbury, New York, she graduated from Hofstra University and moved to Los Angeles. She started her career with a temp job at Paramount Pictures while she was attending law school, and earned her degree from Loyola Law School in 1975.

Returning to Paramount, she rose to senior vice president and earned a reputation as a formidable dealmaker. At Walt Disney Studios, she was named executive vice president in 1981, becoming one of the most high-ranking women in the film business at the time.

Working with Jeffrey Katzenberg, she helped engineer the studio’s comeback, including its partnership with Pixar. In 1994, she was recruited to help build DreamWorks SKG, and served as its chief operating officer.

She was a passionate mentor to upcoming female executives.

After moving to Park City, she “approached skiing with the same ferocity she applied to dealmaking,” her official obit stated.

Her husband of over two decades, Charles “Chuck” Loyd Jr., died in July.

Donations may be made to U.S. Ski & Snowboard, honoring their shared love of skiing and their commitment to supporting the next generation of athletes. Please indicate that your gift is made in their memory.