Marc Buhaj Named SVP Disney XD

Marc Buhaj has been named Senior Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Disney XD. It was announced today by Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. Buhaj, who joined Disney in 2007 and was most recently Senior Vice President, International Original Series and Co-Productions, Disney Television Animation, succeeds David Levine, who transitioned to the role of Vice President, Programming, Production and Strategic Development for Disney Channels Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

In his new role, Buhaj reports to Sean Cocchia, Senior Vice President, Business Operations and General Manager, Disney Channels Worldwide, and Paul DeBenedittis, Senior Vice President, Programming Strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide.

Marsh said, "Marc has an expansive background in kids TV, spanning programming strategy, content creation and global acquisitions. He is a fresh, innovative thinker who will bring new insights onto our team as we continue to build the Disney XD brand."

In his new role, Buhaj is responsible for fueling Disney XD's continued growth through brand-focused leadership and strategic direction for the multiplatform brand and 24-hour channel in the U.S. He will also oversee strategic multiplatform programming and scheduling, and will work with the Programming team to identify acquisition and co-production opportunities that deliver on Disney XD's commitment to bringing high quality creative content to its audience. Additionally, Buhaj will provide support of the Disney XD channels around the world in original content development and programming acquisition strategy.

From 2009-12, Buhaj was Senior Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Channels EMEA, overseeing Disney's London-based production hub, including animation and live action content, such as the popular tween telenovela "Violetta" for Disney Channel Latin America and Disney XD's animated comedy series "Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja." Buhaj joined Disney in 2007 as Senior Vice President, Programming, Jetix Europe. From 2004-07, Buhaj was Vice President, Programming and Scheduling for Cartoon Network and Boomerang in the U.S. He directed all areas of programming and acquisitions, and played a central role in launching Cartoon Network's multiplatform initiatives. Buhaj helped launch and sustain brands, including "Ben 10," "Teen Titans," "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends," "Ed, Edd n Eddy," "Scooby-Doo," "Tom and Jerry," "Pokémon" and "Codename: Kids Next Door." He also served as Executive Director, Programming and Acquisitions, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, where he was a member of the core team that developed and launched India kids TV channel POGO. Prior to joining Turner Broadcasting in 2001, he worked as a network programmer for Seven Network in Australia.

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 80 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates.