Disney Promotes Jimmy Zasowski to Lead Distribution Efforts

Key Takeaways

• Jimmy Zasowski has been promoted to President, Platform Distribution, Disney Entertainment and ESPN, to lead negotiations with pay-TV operators and other distribution partners.
• Zasowski will be responsible for the distribution and monetization of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, as well as the company’s linear portfolio and film and television programming.
• The promotion comes after Disney navigated carriage battles with Charter, DirecTV, and YouTube TV over the past three years.
• Zasowski will report to Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
• The company has expressed confidence in Zasowski’s ability to lead the global organization and drive results in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Introduction to Jimmy Zasowski’s Promotion
Disney has promoted Jimmy Zasowski to a key distribution post, tasked with leading negotiations with pay-TV operators and other distribution partners. As President, Platform Distribution, Disney Entertainment and ESPN, Zasowski will spearhead the company’s efforts to expand its reach and monetize its content in a rapidly changing media landscape. The promotion comes after Disney navigated a series of carriage battles with major distributors, including Charter, DirecTV, and YouTube TV, over the past three years. These battles have highlighted the complexities of the modern media landscape, where streaming has multiplied the variables and the pay-TV bundle continues to shrink.

The Complexity of the Modern Media Landscape
The task facing Zasowski is far more complex than it was in the past, when a handful of major MVPDs ruled the industry. Today, the rise of streaming has created a multitude of new players and platforms, each with their own unique requirements and challenges. The ongoing shrinkage of the pay-TV bundle has also added to the complexity, as consumers increasingly turn to online streaming services for their entertainment needs. Furthermore, the departure of key executives, such as Justin Connolly, who left Disney for a senior post at YouTube, has added to the challenges facing the company. Connolly’s departure came at a critical time, just as YouTube TV was starting renewal talks with Disney, and ultimately led to a 15-day blackout of Disney networks on the platform.

The Role of Sean Breen
In the wake of Connolly’s departure, Sean Breen, EVP Platform Distribution Sales, stepped in on an interim basis to handle negotiations with YouTube TV. Breen will now take on an expanded global role in platform distribution sales, with responsibilities for the EMEA, LATAM, and APAC regions. This expansion of Breen’s role will allow him to leverage his expertise and experience to drive growth and expansion in these critical regions. The promotion of Zasowski and the expansion of Breen’s role are part of a broader effort by Disney to strengthen its distribution and content sales team, and to position the company for success in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Jimmy Zasowski’s Background and Experience
Zasowski joined Disney in 2009 and has since played a key role in the company’s distribution efforts. Most recently, he served as EVP of Platform Distribution Strategy, where he led distribution strategy and business affairs for Disney’s direct-to-consumer services, linear networks, and home entertainment. In this role, Zasowski was responsible for deal analysis, strategic planning, and developing growth strategies to expand the company’s footprint throughout the media landscape. His experience and expertise make him well-suited to his new role, where he will be responsible for leading the distribution and monetization of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, as well as the company’s linear portfolio and film and television programming.

The Challenges Ahead
As Zasowski takes on his new role, he will face a number of challenges, including the need to navigate complex carriage agreements with pay-TV operators and other distribution partners. The company will also need to adapt to the ongoing shift towards streaming, and to find new ways to monetize its content in a rapidly changing media landscape. Furthermore, the departure of key executives, such as Connolly, has highlighted the importance of retaining and recruiting top talent in the industry. Despite these challenges, Disney has expressed confidence in Zasowski’s ability to lead the global organization and drive results. The company’s co-chairmen, Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, have praised Zasowski as a skilled strategist, excellent dealmaker, and thoughtful, collaborative leader.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the promotion of Jimmy Zasowski to President, Platform Distribution, Disney Entertainment and ESPN, is a significant development in the media industry. Zasowski’s experience and expertise make him well-suited to lead the company’s distribution efforts, and to navigate the complex challenges of the modern media landscape. As the company continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer habits and technological advancements, Zasowski’s leadership will be critical to its success. With his promotion, Disney has taken an important step towards strengthening its distribution and content sales team, and positioning itself for success in a rapidly evolving media landscape.