Leadership change at Walt Disney Co.: Emily Feingold, Executive VP of Communications

Walt Disney Co. appointed Emily Feingold as Executive Vice President of Communications, a significant leadership move that reflects the company's ongoing efforts to strengthen its corporate communications infrastructure amid a rapidly evolving media and streaming landscape. Feingold, who previously held a senior communications role at Netflix, brings deep experience in streaming-era media relations to Disney at a critical juncture when the company is aggressively expanding its advertising-supported streaming tier, Hulu + Live TV, and Disney+ Basic. Her appointment signals Disney's intent to sharpen its messaging around its advertising and streaming business as competition intensifies across the connected TV ecosystem. The move is particularly notable given Feingold's background at Netflix, which has itself been building out its own advertising business following the launch of its ad-supported tier. Her transition to Disney represents a transfer of institutional knowledge from one of the most closely watched streaming advertising entrants to the incumbent media giant that has long operated one of the most sophisticated streaming ad platforms in the industry. Disney's advertising technology stack, including its proprietary clean room capabilities and audience targeting tools, has been a key differentiator in the CTV advertising market. This leadership change comes as Disney continues to position itself as a premium destination for advertisers seeking brand-safe, data-driven CTV inventory. The communications function at a company of Disney's scale plays a pivotal role in shaping advertiser and agency perceptions, managing relationships with Wall Street around advertising revenue disclosures, and articulating the company's technology and data strategy to the broader market. Feingold's appointment is therefore strategically significant beyond internal organizational structure.

This leadership change carries meaningful implications for the CTV and streaming advertising ecosystem. Disney is one of the largest and most influential players in the premium video advertising market, and the elevation of a communications executive with direct Netflix experience underscores the intensifying talent competition between streaming giants as they build out their ad-supported businesses. Advertisers, agencies, and AdTech partners will likely watch closely to see whether Feingold's tenure brings any shifts in how Disney communicates its advertising value proposition, data capabilities, or programmatic partnerships. From a competitive dynamics standpoint, the hire reinforces that Disney views its communications strategy as a core component of its advertising business development. As Disney competes with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and YouTube for premium CTV ad budgets, the ability to clearly articulate measurement capabilities, audience reach, and ROI to media buyers is increasingly critical. A seasoned communications leader with cross-platform streaming experience could help Disney better position its advertising narrative against rivals. Additionally, this move may signal broader organizational investment in Disney's ad-supported streaming growth, which has been a key revenue driver as the company navigates the decline of linear television advertising.