Disney Channels Names John Rood Marketing Chief, Succeeding Richard Loomis
John Rood is returning to the Walt Disney Co. as head of marketing for Disney Channels Worldwide, the company announced Tuesday. Rood succeeds Richard Loomis, a nine-year Disney Channels veteran who will step down next month.
As senior vice president, marketing, Rood will report to Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. Rood will be responsible for overseeing creative marketing for a portfolio that includes Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior.
“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,” Marsh said. “He has a unique capacity to transform how large teams address viewers’ evolving needs in a complex, multi-platform portfolio.”
Rood, who has been consulting with Disney Channels for the past 10 months, served as executive vice president, DC Entertainment from 2010 to 2014. Prior to that he spent 10 years at Disney, the last six as SVP of marketing for ABC Family.
Loomis joined Disney Channels in 2007 and was named SVP and chief marketing officer in 2012.
“Richard has made enormous contributions to Disney Channels Worldwide during his tenure,” Marsh said. “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.”