John Rood, a marketing executive widely regarded for his creative and strategic innovation across television, digital, media planning and consumer products, has been named senior vice president, Marketing, Disney Channels Worldwide. The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, to whom Rood will report.
Rood's appointment is effective immediately.
Marsh said, "John Rood is a maker and a builder, with a rare combination of creative and strategic leadership skills and an innate understanding of the Disney brand. He has a unique capacity to transform how large teams address viewers' evolving needs in a complex, multi-platform portfolio."
Rood succeeds Richard Loomis who, after nine years with Disney Channel, has decided to step down next month to pursue other ventures. Under Loomis' leadership, the Disney Channel Marketing team received numerous Emmy Awards, PromaxBDA Awards, CTAM Mark Awards and Telly Awards.
Regarding Loomis, who joined Disney Channels in 2007 and was promoted to senior vice president and chief marketing officer in 2012, Marsh said, "Richard has made enormous contributions to Disney Channels Worldwide during his tenure. As an important and highly respected member of my senior team, his leadership, creativity and strategic expertise have been invaluable to me. Although I hoped to have the opportunity to work with him through the next phase of our growth, I respect his decision, will miss his wonderfully collegial approach and wish him every success in the future."
Loomis said, "From 'High School Musical 2' and 'Descendants' to the launch of Disney XD and Disney Junior, it's been an amazing ride covering a lot of ground in the U.S. and all around the world, and for that I feel very proud. I also feel that it's the right time to explore the next chapter that awaits me and between now and the next four weeks, will transition with my good friend and successor John Rood who will have the support of a truly outstanding marketing and creative team."
Rood said, "I am honored to return to Disney Channel and Gary Marsh. I have such confidence in these people and these properties and these partners. I'm grateful to my friend Richard Loomis, who has built three world-class channel brands and upon whom we'll keep calling for sage marketing advice. These are exciting times for us; the platforms may be in flux, but the keys to Kids TV engagement are the same as ever: quality storytelling, franchise affinity and heart. Advantage us."
