Debra O’Connell from Disney Announces New Direct Reports, Including Craig Erwich’s Role in 20th TV Management
Debra O’Connell Announces Leadership Team in New Role at Disney Entertainment Television
Debra O’Connell, recently appointed Chairman of Disney Entertainment Television by incoming Disney President and Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden, has unveiled her new direct reports. This leadership team includes prominent figures such as Craig Erwich, Ayo Davis, and Courteney Monroe.
In her expanded role, O’Connell is now responsible for overseeing several television brands, which include ABC Entertainment, Disney Branded Television, Hulu Originals, National Geographic Content, and creative operations for both 20th Television and 20th Television Animation. She retains her previous responsibilities for ABC News and the ABC Owned Television Stations.
Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, will take on additional oversight of 20th Television and 20th Television Animation, with 20th TV President Karey Burke and 20th TV Animation head Marci Proietto now reporting to him. Erwich will continue to head ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals but will no longer oversee Disney Branded Entertainment, shifting that responsibility to Ayo Davis, who will report directly to O’Connell.
Monroe, who previously reported to FX Chairman John Landgraf, will also report to O’Connell as the President of National Geographic Global Television Networks.
O’Connell’s current reports, Almin Karamehmedovic and Chad Matthews, will continue in their roles as heads of ABC News and ABC Owned Television Stations, respectively. Additionally, Disney’s President of Global Advertising Rita Ferro and Jimmy Zasowski, recently promoted to President of Platform Distribution for Entertainment & ESPN, will report to O’Connell for television, while also continuing to report to Alan Bergman and Jimmy Pitaro for their respective divisions.
Sean Cocchia, Executive Vice President of Programming Strategy and Business Operations for Disney Entertainment TV, will now have a dual reporting line to O’Connell and Eric Schrier regarding content strategy.
O’Connell shared her new leadership structure in an internal memo, expressing gratitude to Dana Walden for her support and leadership. She emphasized the creativity and dedication of her team and spoke about the importance of storytelling in their work.
In her memo, O’Connell stated, “Let me be the first to say this is an all-star team. And, in the weeks ahead, we will be refining aspects of this new organizational structure and processes. As those decisions take shape, we will share more details.”
O’Connell also highlighted the goal of working closely with Direct-to-Consumer partners to develop a unified content strategy that will deliver influential and award-winning titles to audiences.
As she embarks on this new journey, O’Connell encourages a culture of collaboration and creativity, embodying a mantra she has embraced throughout her career: “Work hard, play smart and throw kindness like confetti.”
