Sean Cocchia Promoted to Senior VP, Disney Channel

Congrats to Sean Cocchia! Along with Gary Marsh who was recently himself promoted to president of Disney Channel, Mr. Cocchia has had a significant role in shaping the direction of the channel for the past few years.

Disney’s full press release follows:

SEAN COCCHIA PROMOTED TO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND GENERAL MANAGER,
DISNEY CHANNELS WORLDWIDE

Sean Cocchia has been promoted to the new role of Senior Vice President, Business Operations and General Manager, Disney Channels Worldwide, it was announced today by Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, to whom he reports. Cocchia has been with Disney since 1998 and was most recently Senior Vice President and General Manager, Radio Disney.

Marsh said, “Sean is a brilliant strategist and a strong manager, with an incredible perspective on our global businesses. He will be an invaluable partner as we build DCWW for the future.”

In his new role, Cocchia will work with Marsh on crafting strategic direction and optimizing business operations for the burgeoning portfolio of brands serving kids and families across multiple platforms: Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior and Radio Disney.

Reporting to Cocchia are Disney Media Sales and Marketing. Business Planning and Strategy, Radio Disney and the business functions of both Disney Junior and Disney XD channels.

Cocchia will also oversee the group’s interactions with Walt Disney International, the Finance and Distribution teams and with Disney ABC Television Group’s Franchise Management group on new business models and opportunities.

From 2008-10, Cocchia was Senior Vice President, Business Planning and Development, Disney Channels Worldwide. He was previously Vice President, Business Development (2005-08) and Executive Director, Business Management (2004-05) for Disney Channel U.S. Cocchia joined Disney in July 1998 as a Senior Analyst in its Strategic Planning area. He previously served as an investment banking analyst with Credit Suisse First Boston’s Media and Telecommunications Group. Cocchia graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.

Disney Channels Worldwide is a portfolio of 100 kid-driven, family inclusive entertainment channels and/or channel feeds available in 167 countries in 35 languages, spanning Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney Cinemagic, Hungama and Radio Disney brands. Through cable, satellite and digital terrestrial television channels and a strategic partnership with Disney-ABC-ESPN Television for the third-party distribution of Disney-branded kids’ programming across the globe, Disney Channels Worldwide reaches hundreds of millions of viewers. Disney Channel properties continue to rapidly expand into new markets across the world, playing a key role in introducing the Disney brand to new consumers.