Once again, Disney has reached within to fill a top job on the TV side. Ayo Davis, most recently EVP, Creative Development and Strategy for Disney Branded Entertainment, has been promoted to President of the division.
Davis succeeds Gary Marsh, who is stepping down as President and Chief Creative Officer of Disney Branded Television, leaving the Disney executive ranks after 33 years to become a producer with a deal at the studio.
This is the second big promotion in 10-month for Davis who had spent 18 years at Disney as a casting executive, most recently EVP, Talent and Casting, ABC Entertainment and Disney+, when she was named EVP, Creative Development and Strategy for Disney Branded Entertainment last November.
Davis, who will report to Peter Rice, Chairman Disney General Entertainment, takes on the creative and operational leadership of the content group tasked with development and production of Disney branded programming for the company’s streaming service Disney+ and linear networks. Davis, who will work closely with Marsh on the transition through the rest of the year, will oversee programming, strategy, development, current, production, casting, business affairs and marketing for scripted, unscripted and animation for Disney+, Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior.