It was all change at the Mouse House this week as, following the failure of John Carter, Rich Ross, chairman of Disney Studios, announced his resignation.

Approaching the subject with euphemistic delicacy, Ross stated: “I no longer believe that the chairman role is the right professional fit for me.” Having cut his teeth in the company’s television wing, Ross was appointed as chairman in 2009. It is true to say that he eventually green-lit John Carter, but that film had been in development for many years. Last month, Disney rashly announced that the project could lose as much as $200 million.

Mars Needs Moms, also made under Ross’s tenure, also lost a fortune.

Bob Iger, the company’s chief executive, offered soothing balm. “I appreciate his countless contributions throughout his entire career at Disney and expect he will have tremendous success in whatever he chooses to do next,” Iger remarked. Well, that’s all right then.