Disney has named Asad Ayaz President Of Marketing and Ricky Strauss as President, content & marketing, for the upcoming Disney Streaming Video On Demand service (SVOD).
What’s happening:
- Deadline reports that The Walt Disney Company has made some reorganization changes with it’s marketing executives.
- President of Marketing, Ricky Strauss will now be President, Content and Marketing of Disney’s SVOD service. The digital platform will launch next year and will feature existing and newly created Disney content.
- Asad Ayaz will take over Strauss’ former position and will be the new President of Marketing. Ayaz has been with Walt Disney Studios for 14 years.
- Catherine Taff is now President of Theatrical Distribution, Franchise Management and Business & Audience Insight. Taff had previously been performing responsibilities of Distribution Chief, taking over for the outgoing David Hollis.
- Strauss has worked in the industry for nearly 25 years and joined the Walt Disney Company in 2012. Prior to Disney, Strauss served as President of Participant Media.
- Ayaz served as EVP of theatrical marketing for live-action releases for Disney before moving to animation marketing oversight.
- Taff’s career with Disney spans 24 years and several roles. Her most recent achievement was overseeing the successful release of Incredibles 2. Prior to her Distribution responsibilities, Taff worked as head of the Integrated Planning and Franchise Management division, led the Disney music Group (2009 to 2013), and served as an SVP/Controller for the Studios for five years.
What they’re saying:
- Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios: “We are fortunate to have a wealth of talented leaders at The Walt Disney Studios, and even as the wonderful Ricky Strauss takes on a new role for Disney’s streaming service, the elevation of our own Asad Ayaz and Cathleen Taff provides continuity of leadership alongside new and diverse perspectives that keep our business ahead of the curve.”
- Alan Bergman, Walt Disney Studios President: “We’re so thankful for Ricky’s leadership, and when it came to pass the torch, it was clear there is no one more equipped or deserving to take the reins of our marketing organization than Asad Ayaz, who has been a key driving in evolving our marketing strategy and mobilization.”
In other Walt Disney Company news:
- Last week, Disney named Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter as the Chief Creative Officers of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar.
- The Department of Justice has granted conditional approval of Disney’s Fox acquisition.