Disney on Thursday named Ricky Strauss as president of content and marketing for the company’s upcoming SVOD service, set to launch in late 2019.
Strauss will report to Kevin Mayer, chairman of Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International division.
Strauss will be developing the content strategy for the service, overseeing development of the service’s original programming slate, production partnerships and content acquisitions. Disney is tapping external production entities as well as content groups across The Walt Disney Company including The Walt Disney Studios, Disney-ABC Television Group, Disney Digital Media, Pixar Animation, Marvel Entertainment, and Lucasfilm for original content on the service.
Agnes Chu is still senior vice president of content for the service, reporting to Strauss. And Asad Ayaz will assume Strauss’ previous role as president of marketing for Disney Studios.
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“Ricky’s vast knowledge of content production and marketing combined with an astute awareness of how audiences connect with the Disney brand is unmatched,” said Mayer in a statement. “His creativity, passion and the deep industry relationships he has cultivated over many years will surely strengthen our ability to successfully launch and grow our upcoming SVOD product into an unparalleled content experience and the must-have streaming service for families and fans of The Walt Disney Company’s high-quality entertainment.”
“It has been such a privilege to be a part of The Walt Disney Studios team these past six years in a role that provided me the opportunity to work with incredibly talented individuals on amazing projects that go beyond anything I could have ever imagined,” said Strauss. “It is with great anticipation that I begin this next chapter with Disney’s new Direct-to-Consumer and International segment, under Kevin’s leadership. I look forward to collaborating with the many talented content creators around the Company to expand the exceptional collection of assets that will make up the future Disney-branded direct-to-consumer streaming service.”