Disney veteran Ricky Strauss, one of the top executives who launched Disney + and former head of marketing at Walt Disney Studios, is leaving the company after nine years.
Rebecca Campbell, president of Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer & International, made the announcement internally, with Strauss also sharing the news with his team.
Strauss’ decision came a few months after Disney’s major restructuring, which saw him take on a new role as president of programming and content curation for Disney + and Hulu.
In light of his departure, Disney + marketing and operations EVP Joe Earley, who has programming experience since his management at Fox, will add content curation for Disney + to his competence and continue to report to Michael Paull, president , Disney + and ESPN +. Hulu’s VP of content partnerships, Brian Henderson, who oversees Hulu’s content curation, will report to Hulu President Kelly Campbell.
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Strauss previously served as president of content and marketing for Disney +, where he was responsible for developing the strategic content vision for the service, overseeing the development of the service’s original programming list, production partnerships and content acquisitions. He was appointed to the position in 2018, before the successful launch of the streaming platform in 2019. Strauss’s role changed after content development was transferred to Disney-owned studios last year.
Prior to that, Strauss served as marketing president for The Walt Disney Studios, overseeing the Studios’ global marketing strategy, covering creative, media, digital, promotions, advertising, research and synergy across all movie distribution channels launched by Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm banners.
The successful films that Disney released during Strauss’s tenure include Star Wars The force awakens, for which Strauss was named the marketing professional of the year by Advertising Age; Rogue One: A Star Wars Story; Marvel’s Avengers, Captain America: Civil War and Guardians of the Galaxy; Disney’s Jungle Book, Cinderella, Maleficent and Beauty and the Beast; Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen Yogurt, and Moana; and Disney • Pixar’s Incredibles 2, Finding Dory and Inside out.
Here is Campbell’s memo, followed by Strauss’s email to his colleagues:
Dear team,
It is with great regret that I inform you that, after nine years at The Walt Disney Company, Ricky Strauss made the personal decision to leave the company.
Ricky has been an incredibly creative and dedicated leader and friend to many of us at Disney. As Bob Iger has shared with me on many occasions, Ricky’s leadership in Disney + content and marketing efforts before and after the launch of Disney + was remarkable – and we greatly appreciate his experience, passion and care. However, the company’s recent reorganization has led to a significant change in Ricky’s role. After much thought, he decided it was time to look for new creative ventures.
Although I am saddened by Ricky’s departure, I understand that a major change also brings an opportunity to chart a new course and humbly respect the choice he made. I know you all join me to wish Ricky all the best on his new adventures.
Moving forward, Joe Earley will add content curation for Disney + to his competency and continue to report to Michael Paull. Brian Henderson, who oversees Hulu’s content curation, will report to Kelly Campbell.
In closing, I would like to personally thank Ricky for all of his incredible work. Your contributions to the success of the company and Disney + will forever be part of our legacy. Below is the note that Ricky sent to his team a few moments ago.
With immense gratitude,
Rebecca
———————-
Dear team:
After nine years at The Walt Disney Company, and a lot of contemplation in the past few months, I came to the decision that it is time to move on and look for new creative ventures. I took a lot of thought and consideration, but with our new structure and changes in my role, the reorganization does not give me the opportunity to do the kind of work I love to do and to continue to make the intended impact. I was lucky to have reached Disney.
It was a privilege to help create the script to launch Disney + for fans around the world over the past few years. I achieved so many personal goals that I set for myself and, as a company, we achieved far more than I could ever imagine. None of this would have been possible without careful risk-taking and a strong focus on creating dynamic entertainment and value for our consumers.
I am extremely grateful that I had the chance to work for a company that I always dreamed of as a child – and that I was able to play a role in shaping its future. The launch of Disney + was a once in a lifetime opportunity – and I will never forget the journey we traveled together.
Although I will be here until the end of the month to help Rebecca and the senior team with any transition needs, I would like to take the time now to personally thank all of you, as it will be the daily interactions and moments shared with each of you that I will miss you most.
Finally, it would be remiss if I did not share how grateful I am for the leadership, guidance and support of Rebecca, Kareem, Bob Chapek and Bob Iger for their understanding of this personal decision of mine to set out on a new adventure.
With great appreciation, admiration and love,
Ricky