Helene Hahn Loyd, a senior executive who helped lead Walt Disney Studios through its renaissance in the 1980s and 1990s and later served as chief operating officer at DreamWorks SKG, died Oct. 24 at her Park City, Utah, home. She was 78.
Loyd was among the highest-ranking women in the film industry during her tenure at Disney, where she earned the title of executive vice president in 1981. Working alongside Jeffrey Katzenberg, she helped guide the studio's resurgence, including its landmark partnership with Pixar. In 1994, Loyd joined the founding leadership team at DreamWorks SKG, the studio founded by Steven Spielberg, Katzenberg and David Geffen. She left the industry in 2004.
Born Helene Burlakoff on July 13, 1948, in Westbury, New York, she graduated from Hofstra University in 1970 and earned her law degree from Loyola Law School in 1975. She rejoined Paramount Pictures in 1977 and rose to senior vice president, building a reputation as a dealmaker. Throughout her career, she mentored up-and-coming female executives, many of whom became leaders in their fields.
After leaving DreamWorks, Loyd settled in Park City, where she pursued skiing. Her husband of more than two decades, Charles "Chuck" Loyd Jr., died in July. In their memory, the family has requested donations to U.S. Ski & Snowboard.