The Walt Disney Company Moves Advertising and Media Distribution Teams to Media Networks Division

Matthew Soberman

The Walt Disney Company logo featuring Mickey Mouse

The Walt Disney Company Moves Advertising and Media Distribution Teams to Media Networks Division

The Walt Disney Company’s week of organizational change continues, this time focusing on its advertising and media distribution departments.

walt disney company logo

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the teams are being absorbed into Disney’s media networks division after a two-year stint as part of the direct-to-consumer and international division. The media networks division oversees Disney’s television networks, including ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN, Freeform, FX, and the National Geographic network. Ad sales president Rita Ferro and media distribution president Justin Connolly will report to Disney media networks co-chairs Peter Rice and Jimmy Pitaro. Beyond the change in reporting structure, no other staffing changes are expected.

The shift precedes Disney’s ad sales roadshow, set to be held virtually for media buyers next week.  Ferro currently supervises Disney’s entire advertising business, including Hulu, which was added earlier this year. Last year, Connolly took control of the media and channel distribution division last year.

This is just the latest organizational shakeup to happen to Disney. On Monday, Disney’s direct-to-consumer chair, Kevin Mayer, announced his departure to become the CEO of TikTok, with the company naming Rebecca Campbell, former president of the Disneyland Resort, as his replacement. On the same day, former Walt Disney World president Josh D’Amaro was named the new head of Disney Parks, Resorts, and Consumer Products, filling the absence of former head Bob Chapek following his being named Disney’s CEO.

MORE:

Disney DTC Chairman Kevin Mayer Resigns For CEO Position at TikTok; Rebecca Campbell to Take Over

BREAKING: Josh D’Amaro Named Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Bob Chapek Talks About The Future of Phased Disney Parks Reopenings, Films, and His Role as CEO on Interview with CNBC; Emphasizes Guests Must Wear Masks and “Do Their Part” For U.S. Reopenings