Ben Sherwood, co-chairman, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney|ABC Television Group (DATG), today announced a major reorganization of his portfolio to increase operational effectiveness and efficiency while optimizing and growing revenue streams. Bruce Rosenblum, one of the industry’s most successful, well-regarded and innovative business executives, joins DATG as president, Business Operations, effective immediately, reporting to Mr. Sherwood.
In this new position, Mr. Rosenblum will have direct oversight and responsibility for all aspects of Disney|ABC business operations, including Global Distribution; Affiliate Sales and Marketing; Digital Media, Strategy and Business Development; Media Operations, Engineering and IT; and Consumer Insights. He will also jointly oversee all Ad Sales aspects for the organization alongside each business unit leader.
In making the announcement, Mr. Sherwood stated, “Disney|ABC is home to some of the most iconic brands in television. As we build on creative momentum across our portfolio, it has become more important than ever to establish a more efficient and effective operating structure. With his formidable record as a skilled manager and innovative deal maker, Bruce is a stellar addition to our team. I’m confident he will make a powerful difference as we navigate – and win – the future.”
Mr. Rosenblum added, “I have long admired The Walt Disney Company, and became impressed with Ben’s leadership of and vision for Disney|ABC over the past few years. While at Warner Bros., I had many successful dealings with the group, and have witnessed first-hand the intelligence and creativity in their business operations. I’m looking forward to partnering with Ben and the talented leaders overseeing these areas to help us achieve some already ambitious goals and to set even higher benchmarks for success going forward.”
Mr. Rosenblum is currently serving his second term as chairman & CEO of the Television Academy, a volunteer position he began in 2011 and which ends this coming December. Most recently, he served as president of Legendary Television and Digital Media, the Legendary division charged with producing programming across multiple linear and non-linear on-demand platforms, as well as the development of multi-platform digital distribution opportunities for broadband, mobile and emerging technologies.
But it is Mr. Rosenblum’s storied 26 year history with Warner Bros. that has solidified his place in the entertainment industry. From 2005 through 2013, he served as President, Warner Bros. Television Group (WBTG), reporting directly to the company’s Chairman and CEO, Barry Meyer. Mr. Rosenblum was responsible for the entire Warner Bros. portfolio of television businesses, including Warner Bros. Television, Warner Horizon Television, Telepictures, Warner Bros. Animation, Alloy Entertainment,
Warner Bros. Domestic and International Television Distribution, Marketing, Research and Ad Sales, and Warner Bros.’ co-ownership of the CW Broadcast Network. Throughout Mr. Rosenblum’s tenure, Warner Bros. was consistently the largest producer and distributor of television in the U.S. and in his final years at Warner Bros., the WBTG represented over 50% of Warner Bros.’ total profits.
Prior to that, Mr. Rosenblum served as executive vice president of television at the Studio for six years, and was senior vice president, television business management, Warner Bros., a position he had held since 1994. He came to Warner Bros. as part of Warner Communications’ 1989 acquisition of Lorimar Telepictures as vice president, business affairs. He joined Lorimar in 1986 from Dern, Mason & Floum (now Del, Shaw, Moonves, Tanaka, Finkelstein & Lezcano), where he began his career as an entertainment attorney in 1982.
Mr. Rosenblum received his juris doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern California.
Rosenblum is on the board of trustees for the Alliance for Children’s Rights and Wilshire Boulevard Temple, is past president of the Friends of the Los Angeles Free Clinic and is past chairman of the board of trustees for The Buckley School.