Leslie Ferraro has been named President, Disney Consumer Products, effective immediately, it was announced today by Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Thomas O. Staggs, Chief Operating Officer, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS).
A 16-year Disney veteran, Ms. Ferraro most recently served as Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ Executive Vice President, Global Marketing, Sales and Travel Operations, where she was responsible for leading the marketing and sales teams in developing numerous highly successful consumer campaigns worldwide.
As President of Disney Consumer Products, Ms. Ferraro will oversee a global operation that delivers innovative and engaging products, from toys and apparel to books and fine art, through its Licensing, Publishing and Disney Store businesses. Ms. Ferraro assumes the role formerly held by Bob Chapek, who became Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in February. She will report directly to both Mr. Iger and Mr. Staggs.
“Leslie is a highly talented, proven executive with a strong track record of creativity and innovation,” Mr. Iger said. “Having managed worldwide marketing and sales for one of our largest businesses, she brings a global perspective and deep knowledge of the company and its brands to her new position.”
“During her tenure at Parks and Resorts, Leslie was known for driving results and inspiring her teams to even greater achievements,” Mr. Staggs said. “She has a deep understanding of our brands and franchises, as well as a solid vision for how they fit into the global consumer marketplace, both of which will serve her extremely well as she leads the Disney Consumer Products team into the future.”
“This is an exciting time at Disney Consumer Products, given the company’s unprecedented array of brands and franchises,” Ms. Ferraro said. “I look forward to leading this dynamic business and our incredibly talented team as we continue to launch new products and retail experiences that combine technological innovation and creativity.”
Leslie joined Disney in 1999 as Director of Marketing for Theme Parks and Resorts and went on to hold a variety of marketing leadership positions including Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy and New Business Initiatives, and Vice President of Marketing for Disney Regional Entertainment. She has also served on the Hong Kong Disneyland Board of Directors.
Prior to joining Disney, Leslie held various senior-level marketing positions at McCann-Erickson, Johnson & Johnson and SmithKline Beecham.
Leslie holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and marketing from George Washington University, a master’s degree in economics from the London School of Economics, and an MBA in finance from New York University.
