Disney Welcomes Nike Veteran Ron Faris as Senior VP of Consumer Products Marketing
Disney is embarking on an exciting new chapter by hiring Ron Faris, a seasoned marketing expert with a rich history at Nike, as its Senior Vice President of Global Marketing for Disney Consumer Products. This strategic move aims to enhance Disney’s connection with fans through innovative marketing strategies.
A Transition from Sneakers to Mouse Ears
In his new role, Faris will oversee Disney Consumer Products’ global marketing strategies, which encompass a diverse range of products including toys, clothing, applications, books, console video games, and much more. He will collaborate closely with Disney’s regional and global licensing teams, as well as spearheading initiatives in the company’s gaming, publishing, and retail sectors. Reporting directly to Tasia Filippatos, President of Disney Consumer Products, Faris is stepping into a position ripe with opportunity.
A Proven Track Record at Nike
Faris comes to Disney after an impressive nine-year tenure at Nike, where he served as the Global VP and GM of Nike Virtual Studios and the ".Swoosh" brand. His mission was to modernize Nike’s brand marketing, successfully reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers through innovative storytelling on platforms like video games, creators, and social media.
Prior to this, he held the role of Global VP and GM for Nike’s SNKRS App, a groundbreaking storytelling and commerce platform that launched in over 55 countries and generated more than $1.5 billion in revenue. Faris was instrumental in making this app a go-to platform for sneaker enthusiasts and casual consumers alike.
A Visionary with a Rich Background
Before Nike, Faris founded Virgin Mega, a social and mobile commerce company eventually acquired by Nike. He also held the position of head of brand marketing for Virgin Mobile USA and served as the Director of Strategic Partnerships for Atari. His diverse experience positions him well to engage Disney’s broad demographic.
What This Means for Disney Marketing
Tasia Filippatos expressed confidence in Faris’s capabilities: “Ron’s impressive track record combined with his passion in this space make him the ideal candidate to lead our marketing teams around the world.” With Faris at the helm, Disney aims to explore new avenues to connect with audiences in memorable ways, harnessing the power of storytelling and the magic of its expansive catalog of characters and narratives.
An Exciting Future Ahead
In his own words, Faris conveyed his enthusiasm about joining Disney: “Disney’s unparalleled dedication to blending storytelling and innovation to reach fans of all ages resonates deeply with me. With the company’s vast library of iconic stories, I look forward to driving deeper cultural relevance and engaging fans within this ever-evolving consumer landscape.”
With Faris’s expertise and Disney’s iconic brand, the potential for innovative consumer experiences is vast.
Conclusion
As Disney continues to evolve in a rapidly changing marketplace, the addition of Ron Faris signals a promising future. His unique insights and innovative approach could very well reshape the way Disney connects with its global audience. Stay tuned to see how this dynamic partnership will unfold!
For further insights on Disney’s marketing strategies, visit Disney’s Corporate Site.
