The Walt Disney Company has never had a Chief Marketing Officer before — until now: The studio’s Chief Brand Officer and 20-year vet Asad Ayaz is being named to the new title of Chief Marketing and Brand Officer and will now oversee marketing and brands for Disney Entertainment, Disney Experiences and ESPN.
Essentially Disney is creating a new enterprise marketing and brand organization, one which enables the conglom to connect with its global consumers, with Ayaz at the helm. Back in 2023, the studio marketing boss was named as Disney’s first Chief Brand Officer, adding to his oversee of the motion picture studio and Disney+ marketing. In that role, Ayaz supervised company-wide brand efforts and alliances which elevated Disney brands and franchises around the world. Ayaz’s role last expanded to President of Marketing for Disney Entertainment.
The news was announced in a company-wide in a joint email from Disney Entertainment Co-Chairs Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. News of Ayaz’s promotion comes ahead of Disney’s announcement of a new CEO, succeeding vet Bob Iger.
As Disney’s marketing boss, Ayaz’s campaigns since 2018 have driven 18 movies across the $1 billion global box office mark. His leadership has also spanned work across Disney+’s top-performing series, the Disney100 global brand campaign, the international expansion of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, and the creative campaign for Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary.
“Over more than two decades at the company – and as Disney’s first-ever Chief Brand Officer – Asad has helped bring the magic of Disney to life for millions through his exceptional leadership,” said Iger in a statement. “As our businesses have evolved, it’s clear that we need a company-wide role that ensures brand consistency and allows consumers today to seamlessly interact with our wonderful products and experiences. The Chief Marketing and Brand Officer role is critical for this moment, and Asad is the perfect fit.”
“Asad is an exceptional creative leader with strong strategic and operational prowess and deep experience across Disney and its brands, and we are excited for what we will accomplish together as we strengthen the connection between Disney and audiences around the world,” said Disney Entertainment Co-Chairs Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro in a joint statement.