This week, Disney announced that Ricky Strauss has been named as Walt Disney Studios’ head of worldwide marketing. He will replace MT Carney in the position, who departed the company earlier this week.
Unlike Carney, who many criticized for her lack of movie marketing experience, Strauss comes to the role with 25 years of experience in the film industry. Most recently, Strauss was President of Participant Media, who produced such films as The Help, Contagion, and The Kite Runner. Prior to that, Strauss worked at Sony Pictures for 16 years as a senior marketing executive for Columbia/Tristar Pictures, and later as Senior Vice President of Production. He also founded Ricochet Entertainment, where he served as executive producer on the Cameron Diaz film The Sweetest Thing.
In a statement, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios Rich Ross said:
“I am happy to welcome Ricky Strauss to The Walt Disney Studios family. With 25 years of industry experience, he brings a deep understanding of all aspects of the film business as well as incredible skill in branding and cutting-edge marketing. He will undoubtedly raise the Studios’ creative bar as we enter 2012 and look ahead at showcasing a spectacular slate of films to audiences around the world.”
In his new position, Strauss will oversee marketing for films released through Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Animation, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, and Touchstone Pictures, which includes DreamWorks Studios films. Upcoming films for which Strauss will take on the marketing responsibilities for include John Carter, The Avengers, and Brave.
